Hop on the Cairngorms National Park’s Heather Hopper

Hop on the Cairngorms National Park’s Heather Hopper
HOP on the Heather Hopper – that is the message to residents and tourists as the only cross-Park bus service makes its annual return today (Monday May 12th)!
The bus makes it first journey of the summer when it leaves from The Square, Grantown-on-Spey at 10.28am. There are twice daily departures from Ballater, Grantown-on-Spey and other stops on route.
The 501 service is being operated jointly by Coopers Tourmaster and Stagecoach Bluebird. Passengers will be able to enjoy a new and improved service this year. Coopers buses offers free cycle carriage and Stagecoach Bluebird buses are adapted for easy access for all. Some of the services will also run to Newtonmore, Kingussie, Kincraig and Aviemore (please check timetables for details of which services and pre-book cycles with Coopers).
The Heather Hopper is now in its third year and is funded by Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), The Highland Council and Aberdeenshire Council. It provides high quality opportunities for outdoor access, one of the Priorities for Action in the Cairngorms National Park Plan, which sets out the Park’s short and long term future. It will also offer a more sustainable form of transport for those who want to leave their cars at home, or do not have access to a car.
CNPA board member and Highland Councillor Jaci Douglas and her family will be amongst the first passengers on the service leaving Grantown and are taking advantage of the free cycle carriage. Councillor Douglas said: “I am delighted the Heather Hopper is back for another year and that more people will be able to enjoy the service.
“One of the issues facing people in the Park is lack of public transport. The Heather Hopper is addressing that and allows everyone an opportunity to explore the Park.”
The Heather Hopper will run until mid-September. Timetable information is available from the CNPA website and www.visitcairngorms.co.uk Cyclists wishing to use Coopers should book cycle carriage on 01540 673 000.
Alert
Latest from the National Park
Update on wildfire situation
Convener Sandy Bremner and Chief Executive Grant Moir have given an update on the ongoing wildfire situation.
Statement on wildfires
An update from Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, on the ongoing wildfires in Moray and Highland.
New Nethy houses get green light
Meeting in Ballater, the Planning Committee approved applications for a development of 35 houses in Nethy Bridge and a floodplain restoration scheme on the River Dee.
Relevant alerts
-
As a result of ongoing efforts to tackle wildfires to the north of the Cairngorms National Park, several roads are currently closed. Scottish Fire and Rescue are in attendance and the public are advised to avoid the area, including footpaths. Road users are asked not to ignore road closed signs.
The affected roads are:
- B9007 Ferness to Duthil
- U2379 Lochindorb Road
- B939 Ferness to Grantown-on-Spey
- U2347 Braes of Castle Grant
For all the latest information check out the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland website and social media.