Huge stride forward for safe foot and cycle link between Aviemore and Carrbridge

A long awaited link between Aviemore and Carrbridge has taken a huge stride forward.

The planning application for the route has been lodged today for the proposed nine kilometres active travel route for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorised users away from the roads.

The project will provide a safer and more direct link between the two villages linking up with existing routes in the area.

Following feedback from the public, the plans now also include a signalised crossing of the A95 at Granish, north of Aviemore.

It has been a bumpy and long journey so far with the first public consultations carried out in Autumn 2019.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said today: “The Scottish Government is committed to promoting active travel in Scotland and we are working with our partners in the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership and Sustrans to deliver an active travel route for people between Aviemore and Carrbridge.

“Public exhibitions were held last June to give local communities and road users a further opportunity to comment on the scheme, having previously been on public display in May 2022.

“During this public engagement, a number of concerns were raised for the safety of users at the proposed crossing of the A95 at Granish using an unsignalised crossing layout.

“As a result of this feedback, further design work was undertaken and it is now proposed to provide a signalised crossing of the A95 at Granish, this being included in the planning application submitted to the planning authority.

“Progression of the scheme can only commence if approved under the relevant statutory procedures and thereafter the approach to its delivery along with a timetable can be determined.

“The intention is that the new nine kilometres segregated active travel route will be included in the A9 dualling programme of works - as part of the nearby Dalraddy to Slochd project - providing planning and all necessary consents are in place in good time.

“We published Made Orders for the Dalraddy to Slochd scheme in December and the current programme is to start the procurement process for this project during Winter 2026/27.”

The new route will also provide an opportunity for circular trips between Aviemore, Carrbridge and Boat of Garten by using the existing Speyside Way.

Further information on the Aviemore to Carrbridge Non-Motorised User (ACNMU) project can be found by clicking here.

Transport Scotland performed a U-turn in March 2020 and agreed to construct a dedicated non-motorised use between Aviemore and Carrbridge following pressure from community leaders.

The move was announced just before a Public Local Inquiry on the wrangle over the route was due to get under way at the Boat Hotel in Boat of Garten.

Highland Council along with the Cairngorms National Park Authority and three local community councils – Carrbridge, Aviemore and Boat of Garten – had challenged the proposed link by Transport Scotland.

The government agency had been insisting on creating the route between the two villages using in part busy local roads and veering far away from the A9.

Andrew Kirk, chairman of Carrbridge Community Council at the time, said: “Currently the old A9 is very busy and is really dangerous for cyclists no matter how experienced they are.

“In the last three years we have been really pushing for this. We did a survey which was overwhelmingly in favour of an off-road of the old A9/A95 parallel route which the CNPA and Highland Council supported.”

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