A9 cycle path closure

[lenhamp]

As part of our lejog which will start on 14th August we have planned a route from Crieff to Laggan using part of the A9 cycle path. However this announcement has turned up on the Sustrans Scotland Facebook page:

We have been advised by BEAR Scotland that due to essential resurfacing works, #NationalCycleNetwork Route 7 between Dalnaspidal and Dalwhinnie will be closed for approximately 15 days from Monday 12th August 2019.

Due to the lack of a safe diversionary option, a free shuttle service will operate for route users between 07:00-19:00 daily, with information, including a contact phone number, prominently displayed at each closure point. For the duration of the works, we would advise against journeys towards the affected area outside of these hours.

The question is do we take the shuttle service which would mean that technically we will be 10km short of doing the complete lejog or just take the A9 on the grounds that we are experienced riders?

Any advice gratefully received.

[philvantwo]

Ride on the A9, it's only for 6 and a bit miles. The road mileage boards up there are still in miles!

[SimonCelsa]

If you're on reasonably heavy duty bikes with minimum luggage the Gaick Pass is an option:

http://dave.davebanks.com/route_8.htm

I did it a number of years ago on a hybrid with 35mm tyres and only had to push for a couple of miles!

What do you think?

[lenhamp]

If you're on reasonably heavy duty bikes with minimum luggage the Gaick Pass is an option:

http://dave.davebanks.com/route_8.htm

I did it a number of years ago on a hybrid with 35mm tyres and only had to push for a couple of miles!

What do you think?

I think most of us are on 25/28mm and a couple of carbon frames too. So probably best to take our chances with the A9.

Thanks for the suggestion.

[Mick F]

Ride on the A9, it's only for 6 and a bit miles.

That's what I'd do.

Also, don't dismiss the A9 for the downhill portions. Really fast, especially down to Inverness.

[keithg]

The route is now completely open and cyclable.
There are a couple of bits of really excellent newly surfaced track totalling about 3 miles which has hugely improved the worst bits.
Local Sustrans are trying to pressurise Bear, the road maintenance folk to repair the other sections on this stretch sometime next year...fingers crossed. It’s way preferable to the main trunk road imho but as suggested this can be worth a punt on selected downhill stretches when the road is quieter in the early am and pm.