Upgrades hand active travel routs twin boost

Two popular active travel routes in Moray have been upgraded to make walking, wheeling and cycling more accessible.

A 2.5km stretch of National Cycle Network Route 1 between Cullen and Portknockie has received £1.4 million worth of upgrades, including path resurfacing, improved drainage to prevent surface water, and the installation of an accessible ramp at Cullen.

This has provided a safe, traffic-free link between the communities which is useable year-round, giving more people the opportunity to make sustainable journey choices.

Drainage work on the former railway embankment in Cullen was also completed in August 2023. The £1.45 million project has made the route resilient against future extreme rainfall events.

News that the work has been completed was welcomed by local councillors Theresa Coull and Donald Gatt.

She said: “As councillor for Cullen and Portknockie, I am delighted that the path between these two villages has made such a difference to the residents and visitors to the area.

“The completion seemed a long time coming after the landslide but it has been well worth it.

“The path is used by walkers and cyclists alike and is an easy off road connection between the two villages, thanks to Sustrans for funding this project. It is a well used pathway with magnificent views.”

Councillor Gatt described the refurbishment of the path as “fantastic”.

He continued: “National Cycle Network Route 1 passes over the iconic Cullen viaduct giving great views along the coast and over the historic Seatown area of Cullen and Cullen harbour.

“The transformation of the route from rough track along the old railway bed to smooth surface with easier access for all at both Cullen and Portknockie, has led to this well used path becoming a more valuable asset to locals and visitors alike.

“I’m glad to see this fantastic improvement in the local area which will be for the benefit and enjoyment of all way into the future.”

An additional 1.3km of National Cycle Network Route 1, which runs east from Garmouth to the Spey Viaduct, has been resurfaced and had tree roots removed.

The £260,923 project is making it easier and safer for locals and visitors to enjoy the route.

The improvements to the National Cycle Network in Moray have been funded by the Scottish Government and developed and delivered through partnership between Moray Council and Sustrans.

Chair of the economic development and infrastructure services committee, Councillor Marc Macrae, said the routes are as popular as ever since fully re-opening.

He continued “These paths are popular for locals and visitors so it’s great to see them being fully utilised again.

“We’re spoiled for cycling and walking routes in Moray and I hope these routes will continue to provide people with alternate and accessible traveling options.

“Switching to walking or cycling even for just a short journey helps to protect biodiversity in our local areas. In 2019, Moray Council declared a climate emergency and projects like this demonstrates some great strides to tackling climate change.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, added: “I welcome the improvements to the National Cycle Network Route 1 between Cullen and Portknockie, which have now been completed during Scotland’s Climate Week through £1.4 million of funding from the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership with Moray Council and Sustrans Scotland.

“The improvements to the cycle route will make it safer and more accessible for the local community, giving them a more sustainable travel option that will be resilient against future weather events.

“These improvements are funded as part of the £145 million allocated to Active Travel this year, which continues to bring real change to communities across Scotland. For our health, wellbeing and climate, the Scottish Government will continue to invest in active travel to help people choose walking, wheeling and cycling for shorter everyday journeys.”

Emilia Hanna, Head of Network Development at Sustrans Scotland, said: “We’re very pleased to see improvements made to these popular stretches of National Cycle Network Route 1.

“Connecting communities via high-quality, traffic-free routes such as these not only creates safe and accessible spaces where people can walk, wheel and cycle with ease, but also boosts the local economy.

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