Work on the Great Glen Cycle route a stage closer

The £2.9 million route between Fort William and Inverness will allow cyclists to enjoy some of the finest scenery in the world while they improve their fitness.

The 66 miles long route will pass along the length of the Great Glen, taking in local roads, canal towpaths and forestry roads. It will improve safety for cyclists by providing an alternative to the A82 trunk road and forms part of the longer route from Oban to Inverness.

A great deal of work will be undertaken to construct the new path to the highest standards. Canal towpaths and forestry roads will be upgraded to link with newly constructed sections of the route which will also benefit from new signing and path markings.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said:

“It is great to see progress is being made on the Great Glen Cycle Route. Not only will it attract visitors to the area, it will improve local economies along the whole length as a result.

“We have some of the most iconic landscapes in the world in Scotland and people want to get out there to enjoy them. This is a fantastic example of how Transport Scotland, working in partnership with Sustrans, Local Authorities, Scottish Canals, Forestry Commission and private landowners, is allowing them to do so.

“Cycling is already a hugely popular sport in the Highlands and the new route will help cyclists access other nearby attractions, which include the downhill course at the Nevis Range gondola, the world cup mountain bike course at Leanachan Forest and many other off-road sections of mountain bike trails developed by the Forestry Commission.

“I am looking forward to seeing work progress in the near future and to have cyclists from across the world coming here to enjoy, what I am sure will become a tremendous asset for Scotland’s adventure tourism industry, in years to come.”