Kennethmont to Ardmore Active Travel Route

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council is exploring a new walking and cycling path between Kennethmont and Ardmore, including a connection near Kennethmont School, to provide the local community with options for active travel. We asked for opinions from local families and residents about whether this could be helpful for everyday journeys, getting to school, or enjoying time outdoors safely.

Summary of the key findings

54 people responded to the survey
85.2% of respondents stated that the car is one of their main modes of transport
61.1% of people responded that if a route were provided here, they would travel more actively, other respondents were unsure (16.7%)
46.3% responded they would use the route at least 2-3 times a week, mostly by walking (68.5%) instead of cycling or other wheeling modes
When asked what the main barriers people felt existed to active travel, 74.1% of responded stated the lack of safe routes was the reason. Weather, and lack of time were also stated as reasons
70.4% of people stated they felt investment into active travel links will help limit the impacts of climate change
81.5% of people agreed a link between Kennethmont and Ardmore would improve health
75.9% stated such a path would be appealing to use and 87% stated that a 3m width path would suit their needs. 53.7% agreed a drybound path finish was suitable, 35.2% supported a fully bound / overlain path, 11.1% were unsure
53.7% of people felt the proposed crossing was in a suitable place, with others (20.4%) stated it wasn’t or (25.9%) stating they were not sure.

What we're doing

The results from this survey will be taken into consideration within the proposed design for this route. The proposed crossing location is supported by Council safety policies and standards. The path finish will depend upon further maintenance discussions.

A traffic regulation order has been sent through committee to request a speed reduction for a small section of road west of Ardmore Cottages. This would allow the path to tie into the pavement along Ardmore Cottages. If this is successful, design and landownership discussions will continue to progress the path project.