A95, Short stretch north of Aviemore

[puffin]

Using this stretch saves me 7 miles and 600 feet of climbs, has anyone any experience of its suitability for bicycles?

[Paulatic]

We 'the Wimps' took that route. It was absolutely fine and not busy.

[Chris Jeggo]

...... It was absolutely fine and not busy.

Agreed - I used it a few years ago.

[JohnR]

I pedalled on the that section of the A95 last year. It was OK but I was happy to turn off onto a quieter road.

[puffin]

Huge thanks for sharing wisdom, really useful.

[pjclinch]

You can look at it on Google Maps Streetmap to see what you think.

Pete.

[deejayen]

I've ridden it, but it's not the most enjoyable of roads. One time was on an audax during the Thunder in the Glens weekend, and it was extremely busy with little chance for following traffic to overtake. We turned off at the Carrbridge junction.

An alternative off-road route is the Speyside Way which is a smooth gravel path you can take from Aviemore to Boat of Garten. From Boat of Garten you can head across to the A95 and I think there's a foot\cycle path along the A95 between the Boat of Garten and Carrbridge junctions.

It's been a few years since I was on that section of the Speyside Way, but from what I remember, there are only one or two short sharp-ish climbs through woodland shortly after leaving Aviemore, and the rest of it is more open and level, and in sections you're not too far from the old steam railway line.

[hercule]

I'll second the Speyside Way diversion - much nicer, anything with 32mm tyres or wider should manage OK. No point going on the road unless you are really in a hurry! Like deejay it's been a while since I did it but further down the Speyside Way (towards the coast) they have been making several surface improvements and more are in the works.