A HELICOPTER is lifting three bridges onto hills above Clydebank and Dumbarton to give walkers a new perspective on the John Muir Way.

A new five mile section of the 134 mile coast to coast walk is being built as part of a £500,000 Legacy 2014 Active Places scheme with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), sportscotland and Forest Enterprise Scotland.

The new section, which is due to be completed in October, will offer an alternative to the public road and path section from Balloch to Carbeth.

A spokesman for Forestry Commission Scotland said it would offer a "stunning, scenic alternative" which will be more challenging for walkers, but slightly shorter than the lower level option.

The road section will remain open.

Construction of the first part of the path has been completed and, during the next stage, three bridges and other path materials, including bags of aggregate, concrete and cement, are being airlifted on to the Kilpatrick Hills.

It is expected to take three days for the helicopter to complete its missions.

Project manager Peter Mitchell, of Forest Enterprise Scotland, said: airlifting the materials was the most economical option as it would take weeks to get the materials up in dump trucks.

He said: "This is a really exciting development for the John Muir Way. People enjoy visiting the Kilpatricks for the amazing views, sense of space, rugged beauty and wildlife. All of these qualities reflect what John Muir (a Scottish/American naturalist) was all about, which is why we’re delighted to be part of this project."

The new section of the path includes a circular route from Edenmill Farm Shop.

Stuart Davies, SNH policy and advice officer, said: “When the new section opens in October, people will have the option to walk through the Kilpatrick Hills and enjoy a great upland experience within central Scotland. The present low level route, which makes some use of the West Highland Way, will still be available as an easier option particularly suited to cyclists.

"The John Muir Way is an easy and enjoyable route for the 3 million people who live in the Central Belt to enjoy the outdoors every day by foot, bicycle, and even by horseback in some places. Walking some or all of the way is a great way to reduce stress and spend time with your family and friends."

Louise Martin, chairwoman of sportscotland said: “We are delighted to award funding from the Active Places Fund and the Sports Facility Fund to this wonderful initiative that will take walkers and cyclists up to the Kilpatrick Hills and help them enjoy a wonderful part of the country.

“sportscotland is committed to providing more and better opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity.”

The John Muir Way, which stretches from Helensburgh to Dunbar, was completed in 2014, and boasts beautiful coastal scenery, sweeping landscapes, wildlife sites and historic visitor attractions.

The route is marked with John Muir Way signs. For more information see www.johnmuirway.org.

The new section of the upland path will officially open in spring 2016.