An extension on the final stretch of the Speyside Way was yesterday given the seal of approval by the Cairngorm National Park Authority (CNPA), as the three-quarter of a mile stretch between Insh Marshes Hide at Torcroy to the Ruthven Barracks is set to be developed.
The application had been approved in October subject to conditions, with options put before the planning committee to address the issues raised by the Highland Council’s Transport Planning Team regarding the visibility at the proposed road crossing point.
Further details were also sought over how the ditches will be crossed and the maintenance of crossings.
The extension was unanimously approved by members, with the committee deeming the response to the actions raised to be adequate.
CNPA board member Rebecca Badger said: “I think this is a very good planning application and I fully support it and I am happy to see the Speyside Way improved.”
The Speyside Way is one of four official long-distance routes in Scotland, spanning from Buckie in Banffshire to Newtonmore. The route, which was first opened in 1981, allows users to take in some of the north and north-east’s most spectacular scenery and whisky distilleries, utilising disused railway lines, farmland and hills beside the River Spey.
Planning committee convener Eleanor Mackintosh added: “This is another part of the Speyside Way which brings us closer to Newtonmore. It has taken a long time, but we are making progress.”