The £3m Great Glen Cycleway in Scotland has been unveiled, marking the completion of the last leg of the National Cycle Network Route 78 known as the Caledonia Way.
The cycleway provides a scenic alternative to the A82 trunk road in places, as it travels along the length of the Great Glen taking in iconic scenery and forestry tracks.
Transport minister, Derek Mackay, said: ‘The Great Glen is already a wonderful backdrop for cycling and this new cycleway will enhance that reputation further by providing an even better cycling experience from Fort William to Inverness.
Beats driving? The beautiful Caledonia Way
‘We want to see as many people as possible enjoying its mixture of stunning scenery, towpaths and forestry tracks. Not only will this development help attract more visitors to the area, it will also encourage more people in the communities along the route to use their bikes.’
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the National Cycle Network in Scotland. Active travel campaigners at the Sustrans charity highlight that the network carried over 120 million journeys last year, with the health and tourism benefits valued at hundreds of millions of pounds.
John Lauder, Sustrans Scotland national director, said: ‘We’re delighted that the Great Glen Cycleway, which showcases some of Scotland’s finest scenery, is now completed and is already being well-used by visitors and locals alike.
‘The cycleway forms a crucial part of the Caledonia Way which stretches all the way from Campbeltown to Inverness, connecting many communities along the way and enabling people to make every day journeys on foot or bike.
‘The National Cycle Network, now in its twentieth year, stands out as a significant asset for Scotland. Not only does it give people improved travel choices; it also makes a huge economic contribution to Scotland.’
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