New cycle route named "The Caledonia Way"

The new national cycle route linking Inverness and Campbeltown is to be named “The Caledonia Way”, Highland Councillors have confirmed.

Individual sections along the route will have their own names. For example, the Oban – Fort William stretch is to be known as the “Red Fox Trail”. This name has been chosen by the four members for the Fort William and Ardnamurchan Ward of The Highland Council, namely Councillors Michael Foxley, Brian Murphy, Donald Cameron and Bren Gormley, and their counterparts on Argyll and Bute Council.

Councillor Michael Foxley, Leader of the Council’s Administration, said: “Walkers and cyclists bring substantial economic benefits to the Highlands.  This evolving spectacular long distance route will encourage many more people to come here, especially from Europe and North America.”

Councillor Brian Murphy, Vice-Chairman of The Highland Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee, said: “The Caledonia Way, when completed, will be around 240 miles long. Stretching from Campbeltown to Inverness and passing through some of the Highland’s most spectacular scenery, it will provide a challenging but exhilarating addition to the National Cycling Network.

“There were a number of different suggestions about the name from communities consulted along the route, but we felt that The Red Fox Trail would have a strong brand image, and give the opportunity to tell a story which still has the power to evoke fierce emotions to this day.” 

The national cycle route (No 78) is being promoted by the cycling charity SUSTRANS.  Some sections have been constructed, while the routes for other sections are still at the planning stage.