The day will take place at the One Stop Shop, 42 Coalburn Road, Coalburn, ML11 0LH, from 10am to 2pm on Sunday 21 September.

Attendees will be able to take part in guided walks as well as a guided ride along the new 3.2km section of path from Coalburn to Poneil. E-bike tasters and bike and cycling services will also be on offer throughout the day from Gear Up.

Morning refreshments will be provided by Coalburn Community Café, and information tables and family activities will be available from Coalburn Community Action Group, Climate Action Lanarkshire (CAL), Healthy Valleys and Police Scotland. The Jim Hamilton Heritage Society of Coalburn will also be open so visitors can explore the fascinating history of the village.

Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: “I hope as many people as possible can come along and join in the fun.

“Suitable for walking, wheeling and cycling, the stretch of path provides a safe connection for everyday use between Coalburn and Douglas via Poneil. 

“Predominantly an upgrade on the existing path network, the Coalburn – Poneil active travel path takes in Wallace’s Caves to the south of Coalburn and includes a brand-new section of path to the west of the Poneil Water before reaching the biomass plant at Poneil.”

Dave Graham, CAL Active Travel Project Officer, said: “After years of development and planning it’s so exciting to finally see the path being built and nearing completion.

“It’s been a real team effort, working closely with the community and funders to realise a valuable new asset for decades to come.

“The path is already helping to link communities together better, providing locals and visitors alike with safer opportunities to visit friends, access local services and beauty spots and travel actively between villages. All this whilst providing the opportunity to improve your health and wellbeing.”

The new Coalburn – Poneil path was managed by Community Action Lanarkshire with construction funding provided by South Lanarkshire Council Renewable Energy Fund via OnPath, Scottish Mines Restoration Trust Mainshill Improvement Fund and Walking Scotland.

Another stretch of path was recently opened between Coalburn and Lesmahagow.