The Highland Council secures Path Order for Peffery Way

The Highland Council has successfully obtained a Public Path Order for The Peffery Way at Millnain Croft to enable the continuation of works for an all abilities walking and cycling route from Dingwall to Strathpeffer.

The Path Order was initially confirmed on 8 January 2023 by The Scottish Government and is only the third order to be required since the enactment of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. The Path Order became necessary after negotiations with landowners failed to proceed.

The Highland Council was able to assist the community led Peffery Way Association (PWA) by using its powers in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act to obtain the Path Order that will allow the final link of 603m near Fodderty to be constructed using funds granted to the PWA. The whole route of The Peffery Way runs 3.6 miles (6 km) from Strathpeffer.

Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee Chair, Cllr Graham MacKenzie said: “The Peffery Way is a fantastic community led project that has been under construction for seven years, with over 90% of the route constructed. To get this piece of land agreed is a relief to all those involved. It’s great news as it sets to offer environmental and health & wellbeing benefits to the community and visitors, offering a safe active travel route between Dingwall and Strathpeffer.”

Peffery Way Association Chair, Ron McAulay said: “The PWA are delighted that this Path Order has now been confirmed and are very grateful to The Highland Council for their support and work in presenting the Path Order to The Scottish Government. 

“Once complete, we will have one remaining section of the path to open-up and build. We are working on obtaining permission for this section, along with raising the necessary funds to carry out the remainder of the works to complete the route.”

More information on The Peffery Way can be found here (external link)