Improvements to the Speyside Way through Anagach Woods are set to significantly enhance the sections close to Grantown-on-Spey, with work getting underway this month.

The project, led by the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Anagach Wood Trust, includes re-surfacing the majority of the existing path, much of which has become eroded with tree roots exposed in many places. Known problem areas are also being tackled with drainage upgrades to remove longstanding muddy sections together with a significant portion of entirely new path. New signage and waymarkers are also being installed, with the work being carried out by CR Contracting North.

Doug Stewart, Outdoor Access Officer at the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “We are delighted to see these improvement works to the Speyside Way getting started. The route through Anagach Woods is very popular with locals and visitors alike and will provide a much better experience for everyone.

“The route will remain open throughout although there be some disruption, with short diversions in place for safety reasons. We expect the work to be completed by the end of this year.”

The project is supported by £129,000 from the ‘Improving Public Access’ funding initiative, via the Scottish Government Agri-Environment Climate Scheme, administered by NatureScot.

Mike Causey, Chair of the Anagach Woods Trust said: “It’s so good to know that the Speyside Way will be a better and more consistent quality for all its users. The popularity of this route through these woods is high, and we know that so many of the local community, as well many visitors, will be glad of it. Many thanks to the Cairngorms National Park Authority.”

The Speyside Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails, following the valley of the River Spey, Scotland’s second-longest river. The route links the Moray Firth coast with the Cairngorms National Park. The route takes users from Buckie to Newtonmore – or vice versa!