More improvement works for old military route
Councillors from the Inverness South ward are contributing £10,000 from their discretionary budget to improve the accessibility and drainage on a stretch of a historic route popular with walkers and cyclists.
The work, on a stretch of the General Wade road, built between 1728 and 1730 as part of a military link route between Perth and Edinburgh, is a continuation of the improvements carried out last year by The Highland Council to cut back overgrowing vegetation and deal with overflowing drains on the stretch of road leading up to Daviot Wood.
Keen to promote the route and ensure it is as accessible as possible to all users Councillors Thomas Prag, Roy Pedersen, Carolyn Caddick and Jim Crawford have given their support to continue the work.
Speaking on behalf of the Ward Members, Councillor Prag said: “General Wade’s road is an important historical and leisure asset to our city, already popular, but perhaps not as well known as it could be. So we want to make sure it is well sign posted and easily accessible. It is particularly valuable in a part of the city that still feels a bit neglected.
“We have talked about future plans for the trail as there is potential to link back via the network of paths through Daviot Woods to the moor above Milton of Leys and back into the new paths of Inshes Park. To be able to travel along the old road from Inverness to Moy would be a great experience for walkers, cyclists and horseriders.”
Some of the work this year will focus on critical drainage work which is scheduled to start on Monday 28 November. Access for users will be maintained at all times and anyone using the route can catch the attention of the contractor as they approach and he will let them know when it is safe to pass.
Jack Mackay from Forestry Commission Scotland’s Inverness, Ross and Skye team said: “This is a really popular right of way that is well used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This stretch of path links to our forest network in a couple of places and that combination makes for a fantastic resource, both for visitors and locals, that lets people experience the area in a new way.”