PATH planners are looking for some local expertise in Peebles to help create a connection.

The multi-use path from Walkerburn all the way to Peebles remains hugely popular with cyclists, walkers and horseriders.

And the new pathway between Eddleston and Peebles is expected to be just as busy when it opens.

Members of Peebles Community Trust are now hoping to piece together the Eddleston Water Path and the Tweed Valley Railway Path with an official route through the town.

And they want input from local walkers and cyclists on the best way forward.

Alex Wilson from the Trust told us: "With funding by Transport Scotland, through Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme, the Trust is looking at how best to link the Eddleston Water Path and the Tweed Valley Railway Path through Peebles.

"Different routes could be possible through for walkers, cyclists and wheelers.

"The cycle route has to have a gentle gradient – low vehicle speeds and low vehicle volumes.

"And some of it could be through green spaces.

"The walking route needs to use two-metre wide pavements and can link the Eddleston Water Path and the Tweed Valley Railway Path more directly.

"The Trust is launching a consultation inviting comments on the project and suggestions about the link paths in Peebles, together with observations on separate walking and cycle routes in the village of Eddleston."

Since the opening of the initial five-mile path between Innerleithen and Peebles in 2013, tens of thousands of walkers, cyclists, joggers and riders have used the off-road route.

And last year a £500,000 two-miles extension to Walkerburn was officially opened by council leader Shona Haslam.

Although work is nearing completion on the Eddleston Water Path, no official opening date has yet been scheduled.

But it is hoped that a recognised link will be in place ahead of the ribbon-cutting.

The consultation begins on Saturday (February 1) at the Peebles Street Market and will continue next Saturday at the same location.

Members of the Trust will also be in Tesco on Thursday, February 13 to provide information and gather sugestions.

The consultation process will include a community mapping project which will involve local groups as well as interested individuals.