£250k repairs to cycle path ‘torn up by quad bikes’ at Dalnaspidal

Bear Scotland is preparing to unveil a newly resurfaced cycle path after investing a quarter of a million pounds to repair the route along the A9.

Cyclists using the National Cycle Network Route 7 (NCN7) between Dalnaspidal and Dalwhinnie are set to benefit from an improved surface as £250,000 worth of resurfacing works will be completed this week.

The project has seen resurfacing works carried out along a 4.3km section of cycle track on the NCN7, which runs parallel to the A9, creating a smoother and safer journey for cyclists.

It was reported in April that regular users of the path believed all-terrain vehicles were responsible for the shredded state of the surface.

Now Bear Scotland has confirmed the resurfacing project has also included the installation of bollards and other measures designed to prevent illegal access to the track by motorised vehicles, in a bid to prevent future damage to the surface.

The three-week project began on August 12 and is scheduled to be reopened on Friday.

Consultations with Sustrans, the local authority, local residents, Transport Scotland and others were held to inform the groups of the project in advance.

Eddie Ross, Bear Scotland’s north-west representative, said: “The £250,000 investment from Transport Scotland will allow our teams to carry out this essential resurfacing project at this section of the NCN7, greatly improving the condition and safety of the route in this area.

“We thank cycle track users and the local community in advance for their patience.”