Case studies
Located in Darvel, East Ayrshire, within the scenic Irvine Valley, the Waterlip Pathway is a key traffic-free walking and cycling route connecting residents to schools, shops, parks and community facilities.

Located in Darvel, East Ayrshire, within the scenic Irvine Valley, the Waterlip Pathway is a key traffic-free walking and cycling route connecting residents to schools, shops, parks and community facilities. The Waterlip Pathway Solar Lighting Project has delivered a major improvement in safety, accessibility and year-round usability by installing solar-powered LED delineation studs along the route.
This project represents a national milestone – the first installation of Solarlite Path in Scotland and currently the longest SolarLite Path installation in the UK, covering an impressive 750 metres. Funded by Walking Scotland, with match funding from Clearview Intelligence, the initiative enhances visibility while protecting the natural riverside environment.
The scheme builds on previous investment in resurfacing the pathway and responds directly to priorities identified through the Darvel and Priestland Community Action Plan, reflecting strong community-led planning and delivery.
Despite being a popular and essential active travel route, use of the Waterlip Pathway was significantly limited during darker evenings and early mornings. Local residents expressed concerns about personal safety, visibility, and confidence during autumn and winter, restricting walking and cycling for commuting, school travel, and recreation.
Traditional street lighting was ruled out due to high installation and maintenance costs, potential environmental impacts, and concerns about wildlife disturbance along the river corridor. A sustainable, low-impact solution was required to improve safety while preserving the area’s natural character.
The project installed Solarlite P solar-powered LED path studs, supplied by Clearview Intelligence, along the 750m length of the Waterlip Pathway. These innovative ground-level lights provide 360-degree route delineation, improving visibility without generating upward light spill.
Key Feature Include:
The success of the Waterlip Pathway project provides a scalable model for future improvements across Darvel and the wider region. Plans are underway to extend similar solar lighting along the Morton Park riverbank path, furtherstrengthening local walking and cycling routes. This project demonstrates how small-scale, community-led initiatives can deliver lasting improvements in safety, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and quality of life in rural towns.
Case studies
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