Core path to be upgraded

The National Cycle Network 196 core path between Rosewell and Auchendinny will be upgraded using Flexipave, an environmentally friendly material made from recycled tyre rubber and natural stone.  

Accessible to broad range of users 

Surfacing this section of the path with Flexipave, which is softer than asphalt, will make the route accessible for a broad range of users including those with mobility issues and horse riders, particularly in poor weather.

Work starting in coming weeks 

The work will start in late spring/early summer and will require closing the Rosewell to Auchendinny path for around 12 weeks.

Survey responses

Councillors approved the work after considering 752 responses to a survey in 2023 asking local people how they use the route and how they would like to see it improved. 

Grant funded

The cost of the project will be £590,000 which will come from grant funding. 

Work to support future street lights

The project will include infrastructure work to allow street lights to be installed in the future, although there are no current plans to do so. 

Future-proofing the route 

Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry said: “Many thanks to everyone who took the time to fill in our survey. We’ll try to keep disruption to a minimum and local people up-to-date on how the work is going. No new sections of pathway are proposed and the work is not anticipated to take place outwith the current width of the pathway corridor. Resurfacing this section of NCN196 will ensure continuity across the full length from Dalkeith to Penicuik and will future-proof the route for years to come for our communities to enjoy.”

Outcome of survey 

A total of 31.6% of respondents would be comfortable with alternative bound surfaces (Flexipave is an ‘alternative bound surface’ as are materials such as Tarmac), and 21.4% of respondents supported the proposed resin-bound surface, which again includes Flexipave. 

Get in touch

For more information, please contact: Active.Travel@midlothian.gov.uk