A9 cycle path / LEJOG

unixnerd

I've not been on it yet this year. Highland council had committed to cleaning their section of the path in late spring, so this may have been done but it only affects the section from Drumochter north which isn't that bad anyway.

My MSP organised a visit to the path with most of the stakeholders in late November and requested follow-up action plans from some of them. Last time I contact him about a month ago his office said that an announcement would be made soon but I've not heard anything yet.

If you're doing this on a road bike you'll need at least 25mm fairly puncture proof tyres and I'd lower the pressure to 90ish. There are loads of places to get on/off the path to the A9 if you find it too hard going. Some bits are fine, others leave much to be desired. Your speed will be lower on the path but it's a very scenic ride and highly enjoyable.

If you DO use the A9 you'll want bright front and rear lights plus hi-vis even in daylight. Scariest thing that ever happened to me was a car coming towards me overtaking another and just missing me at very high speed. That said, I'd far rather cycle on this route than the A82 as it's wider and the sight lines are far better. Some of the newer A9 sections have a 2' wide area on the edge where it's much safer to cycle.

By the way, the cafe at Ralia near Newtonmore is right on the NCN7 cycle path and the coffee and cake are excellent. The cycle paths to the north of Dalwhinnie and around Slochd summit are very good and much better than using the A9. The path from Newtonmore to Kingussie is the best I know off and the locals use it to walk, it's a superb example of how paths can connect communities.