Inverness - Perth

Two sheds

I'm planning a ride for later in the year in the north of Scotland. I've heard that there is a cycle path / track along the A9, using sections of the old road. Does anyone here know how much of the Inverness - Perth road is covered by this, and how suitable it is for road bikes?

campbellrae1

Depending on how long you have/fitness levels a more pleasant route could be from Inverness, to Granton-on-Spey, over the Tomintoul road, then Glen Shee and down to Perth from there. It's a lot further and harder due to loads of climbing, but I did this as part of a bigger tour in the summer and it was a fantastic bit of the ride!

thecrofter

The cycle path is a mixture of purpose built pathway and some of the sections of the old A9, which are closed to traffic, and some which are open to traffic. The purpose built stuff is fairly typical, in that it wasn't designed by a cyclist. It is a mix of gravel and not terribly smooth tarmac, there are some little wooden bridges and so on, I would think it could be a bit annoying, but at least you're not mixing it with the traffic. I've not cycled on the path but have often thought I wouldn't fancy it on a road bike with slicks, with touring tyres you'd probably be OK. The closed road sections would be a joy and even the sections that are access roads to the houses up and down the road have very little traffic indeed, almost traffic free. There are some bits, like around Aviemore, where the roads can be quite busy, but definately better than being on the main A9 which would be almost suicidal.

If you're not pressed for time the Grantown option would be more interesting and enjoyable.

RonL

The route is mostly suitable for a road / racing bike tyre. There is one section South of Newtonmore which is very rough. ( a friend double punctured on it using 700 x 25 tyres) I was using a tourer with 40 mm tyres and was fine. It may have mproved now but is around a mile long. The racer had four punctures between Inverness and Blair Atholl, the tourer had none. If your prepared to upgrade your rubber or walk the rough sections you'll be fine. It's a great route but I agree with the others the other suggestion is better although different. Have a great time whichever.

thecrofter

RonL wrote:

The route is mostly suitable for a road / racing bike tyre. There is one section South of Newtonmore which is very rough.

I was thinking of the bit through Drumochter, which has always looked a bit iffy for road tyres to me.

RonL

Thecrofter is correct, there are a few sections which will require care with lightweight tyres.