Moray Council is encouraging users of the Speyside Way to take up the Speyside Challenge this September.
The challenge is to log the most distance covered, or the most journeys, by foot or bike, on the popular route that is now part of the Speyside Low Carbon Hub.
Speyside Way users are being challenged to use the newly-refurbished pathways to commute and travel with the chance of winning one of 10 prizes for taking part.
The upgraded path runs from Craigellachie, through Aberlour and Carron to Cragganmore.
Challengers will be able to sign up via the Speyside Challenge website, which will be launched in the coming weeks, to log their active travel journeys on the path.
At the end of September those with the most journeys logged and the most distance covered will win one of three Moray Loves Local gift cards.
There’s a prize for first, second and third placed participants up to the value of £35.
There’s also a joint workplace prize for businesses to enter with a £100 donation to a charity of their choice up for grabs.
Moray Council’s Active Travel team will be on hand at Aberlour Strathspey Highland Games on Saturday 6 August with more details about the Speyside Low Carbon Hub and how to sign up for the Speyside Challenge.
There will be ebikes to try out, goodies to take away and the chance to sign-up to win the early-bird entry prize for the Speyside Challenge.
Moray Council’s Sustainable Travel Officer, Janet MacDonald, said:
“We’re excited to see the completion of the upgrade to the Speyside Way, which includes the Speyside Low Carbon Hub charging points, way markers, path refurbishments and more.
“Taking part in the Speyside Challenge throughout September will give everyone who uses the Speyside Way regularly the chance to try out the new facilities and experience the upgraded paths for themselves.
“We hope this is the start of a long-term shift for people to use the Speyside Way to commute, to get to school and for leisure.
“Making Speyside more accessible from Craigellachie to Cragganmore for active travel is an achievement to be proud of and we’re sure locals will relish this safe option for walking and wheeling.”
Prizes for the Speyside Challenge are:
Early bird sign-up (before 1 September): 3 x £20 Moray Loves Local gift card
Most journeys logged: first (£35 gift card), second (£25 gift card), third (£15 gift card)
Most distance covered: first (£35 gift card), second (£25 gift card), third (£15 gift card)
Winning workplace – £100 charity donation
The ‘Speyside Low Carbon hub’ project was awarded funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund, and Transport Scotland.
The project received £810,000 for the first phase of the project, between Criagellachie and Carron, and £635,000 for the second phase between Carron and Cragganmore.
