River Spey and woodland walk, Boat of Garten

A very pleasant circuit from Boat of Garten following the River Spey and then heading inland through delightful woodland bursting with widlife.

Terrain

Grassy tracks and woodland paths.

Public Transport

Bus to Boat of Garten, Strathspey steam train (summer only) from Broomhill and Aviemore.

Users' reports

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Start

Boat of Garten golf club / Strathspey railway car park. Map and directions.

grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.75km/6 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 94m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NH944189

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 403 - Cairn Gorm
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Start from Boat of Garten where there is usually parking in the centre near the smaller shop and post office, or you may be able to park at the car parks for the Golf Club and Strathspey Steam Railway (follow the signs). If starting from the Post Office head down the main street and continue around the corner to the left at the Hotel. At the next junction turn right to head under the railway bridge passing the entrance to the Golf Club and Strathspey Steam Railway on the right. (If starting from the car park here, turn right on the main road to pick up the route). Take the next turning on the right signed for Dalvoult and take the middle track signed for Miller's Pool and following this over a cattle grid.

Stage 2

The steam railway that runs from Aviemore to Broomhill near Nethy Bridge can be seen over to the right. In the summer the train offers lots of opportunities to combine a walk with a rail trip as it fits in with the route of the Speyside Way. Go through a gate, still following signs to Dalvoult which is eventually passed on the left. Now the track becomes rougher and soon heads through sparse birch woods - keep left here on the main track.

Stage 3

Climb a basic stile next to a gate and cattle grid to reach the riverside, there are good views of the Cairngorms ahead. Keep following the track along the banks of the wide River Spey where fisherman can often be seen and where the local ospreys also hunt. A couple of seats offer good spots to enjoy the river. When a large fishing hut comes into view ahead the track reaches a junction. Turn right here to head uphill away from the river.

Stage 4

At Kinchurdy Farm keep right to head between the barn and the farmhouse and follow the track through open countryside. Eventually the Speyside Way is reached, ignore the path to the left and stay on the track to head under the railway and reach a path junction at a crossroads where a lone cottage can be seen on the right. Keep straight on to follow the forestry track into the pine trees.

Stage 5

At the next junction turn right following the sign for Community Hall, then at the following junction turn right, signed for Kinchurdy Rd. Before the road is reached, a path turns left at the corner of the wire fence of the last house. Turn left here to head through the woods passing Creag Bheag, a small rocky outcrop with a bench and a great view across to the Cairngorm mountains.

Stage 6

Keep following the path until it reaches a junction and bear left to follow the sign for The Village. Soon a short signed detour to the left takes you to the top of Fairy Hill, the views are now obscured by birch trees, but there is a bench and cairn and it makes a good stopping point. Return to the main path and turn left and stay on the big path ignoring other routes. Soon the curling ponds are passed on the right and at the junction at the edge of the village continue ahead between the houses to reach the main road. Turn right here to follow the road back to the Post Office at the start.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.