A COMMUNITY-LED PROJECT IN KIRKCUDBRIGHT
Improvement Works Are Complete on Core Path 13
Known locally as “the Whirly”, Core Path 13 is a well-used Kirkcudbright path.
Core Path 13 Group is the local non-profit community group supporting the route maintenance.
Following local volunteer work, strong public support and confirmed funding, the improvement works were completed on 30 July 2026. The path will continue to require regular maintenance.
A COMMUNITY-LED PROJECT IN KIRKCUDBRIGHT
Improvement Works Are Complete on Core Path 13
Known locally as “the Whirly”, Core Path 13 is a well-used Kirkcudbright path.
Core Path 13 Group is the local non-profit community group supporting the route maintenance.
Following local volunteer work, strong public support and confirmed funding, the improvement works were completed on 30 July 2026. The path will continue to require regular maintenance.
A Local Path With a Long History
The route runs north from Kirkcudbright town, following the bank of the River Dee to Tongland Bridge and beyond. The section between Boreland Road and Tongland Bridge runs on the flood bank, which was constructed in the early 1800s, and then through riverside woodland back up to the main road at Tongland.
It later became part of the local Core Paths network and has continued to be used by people in and around Kirkcudbright.
A section of the path about 1.3 kilometres in length, south of Tongland Bridge, became heavily overgrown and difficult to use, particularly during wet winter conditions, local volunteers decided to take practical action.
Community Action and Support
Around 300 survey responses
A public survey demonstrated strong local interest in improving the path.
Two seasons of volunteer work
Local work parties helped clear and tidy the overgrown route.
£36,766 confirmed funding
Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, Kirkcudbright Common Good Fund and Drax Foundation.
How Core Path 13 Group Was Formed
Around two to three years before the group was established, the path had become overgrown and difficult to use.
Local people were raising concerns about its condition, so volunteers organised work parties to clear and tidy the route. This work was carried out over two seasons.
Although the clearance helped, wet winter weather continued to leave parts of the path muddy, difficult to use and potentially hazardous.
Donald Beaton and Chris Rider decided that a more organised and lasting response was needed. A small committee was formed, with support and guidance from local organisations.
Core Path 13 Group now has a constitution and its own independent bank account.
The Committee
Donald Beaton - Chairman
Chris Rider - Secretary
3 Additional Members
The group has also received valuable support from Dumfries and Galloway Council and Kirkcudbright Community Council.
A Route Used by the Local Community
Core Path 13 is used by local residents, walkers, dog walkers, families and visitors.
Paths like this provide an opportunity to enjoy the local area, spend time outdoors and move around the community on foot.
Before the July 2026 works, heavily overgrown, muddy or slippery conditions made some people less able or willing to use the route, particularly during the winter months.
The July 2026 project improved the condition and general usability of the path so that it can continue to serve the community more reliably.
PROJECT STATUS: IMPROVEMENT WORKS COMPLETED - 30 JULY 2026
Improvement Works Completed
Following volunteer clearance, community consultation, planning, fundraising and strong public support, improvement works on Core Path 13 were completed on 30 July 2026.
The work has addressed the poor ground conditions experienced during wet weather and improved the general usability of the route. The newly surfaced path is intended to provide a firmer and more reliable route for the local community and visitors.
Funding Confirmed So Far
Core Path 13 Group secured £36,766 in funding for the July 2026 improvement works.
Funding was provided by The National Lottery Community Fund, Kirkcudbright Common Good Fund and Drax Foundation.
Drax operates Tongland Power Station, which sits across the water from part of the route.
Support from these funders made the improvement works possible.
Ongoing maintenance will require a separate and sustainable source of funding.
The National Lottery Community Fund
Kirkcudbright
Common Good Fund
Drax
Foundation
Public Donations
The improvement works have now been completed, but Core Path 13 will require regular maintenance to remain in good condition and continue serving the local community.
Core Path 13 Group is considering an approved method for accepting public donations towards future maintenance and upkeep.
Details and a secure donation link will be added here once the arrangements have been confirmed.
Follow and Support the Project
The most useful way to help at present is to follow the project, share confirmed updates and help more local people learn about the work.
Follow on Facebook
Follow the Core Path 13 Facebook page for photographs, announcements and progress updates.
Share the Updates
Sharing verified project information can help the group reach local residents, walkers, businesses and other potential supporters.
Public Donations
A public donation route is being arranged to help support the future maintenance of Core Path 13.
Donation details will be added once confirmed.
Thank You for the Support
Core Path 13 Group is grateful for the financial support, practical guidance and local encouragement received so far.
Confirmed funders
The National Lottery Community Fund
Kirkcudbright Common Good Fund
Drax Foundation
Supporting organisations
- Dumfries and Galloway Council
- Kirkcudbright Community Council
The group also thanks the volunteers, residents, local organisations and individuals who have helped with clearance work, surveys, advice and promotion.
Project Updates
This section shares confirmed project progress and important information.
JULY 2026
Improvement Works Completed
Improvement works on Core Path 13 started on 7th July 2026, and were completed on 29th July 2026.
Following two seasons of volunteer clearance, public consultation, planning and fundraising, the affected section of the path has now been upgraded and resurfaced.
The completed work has improved the condition and general usability of the route, providing a firmer and more reliable surface, particularly during wet weather.
The photographs below show the newly completed path. Further project updates will continue to be shared through the Core Path 13 Facebook page.
PREVIOUS UPDATES
Improvement Works Begin
Improvement works began on Core Path 13 in July 2026, following community consultation, volunteer work, planning and funding.
Additional
Funding
The group has received additional funding from Drax Foundation, whose Power Station sits across the water from part of the route.
Funding
Confirmed
The group has received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Kirkcudbright Common Good Fund.
Community Survey Completed
Around 300 responses were received through the project survey, demonstrating strong public interest in improving the path.
Around
Core Path 13
Around Core Path 13
Known locally as “the Whirly”, Core Path 13 sits within a varied landscape used and enjoyed throughout the year.
Click on an image to open the gallery.
Swipe left to explore the gallery.
Contact the Group
For general questions about the project, please use the form and a member of the group will respond when possible.
For the latest updates, please also follow the project on Facebook.
For the latest updates, please also follow the project on Facebook.
Core Path 13 Group
A public non-profit community group based in Kirkcudbright.
© 2026 Core Path 13 Group
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