There are several circular walks through the pleasant pinewoods around Carrbridge. This walk combines two of the waymarked walks with a rougher extension to make a longer circuit.
Summary
Mostly good forest paths; some unclear, muddy sections; gates to climb.
Terrain
NH907227
Grid ref
7.5km/4.5 miles
Distance
Grade
Carrbridge car park
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1. There is a large car park with toilets and information boards in the centre of Carrbridge. Before beginning the walk, it is worth heading a short distance north along the street to see the old packhorse bridge. The walk begins by heading south along the street for a short distance before turning left at the junction with Carr Road. Continue along this minor road until it leaves the last houses of Carrbridge; a short distance beyond, turn right onto a track signed 'Woodland walks' and also as part of the No. 7 National Cycle route. The track passes a couple of buildings before passing through a gate and into the Carr Plantation.
2. The plantation is of Scots pine and is very attractive. Ignore two turnings off to the right, the second of which is marked by a cairn, and continue along the main route until it reaches the edge of the woods and turns sharp right. A shorter and easier loop is to follow the track to the right and rejoin the route we describe near the minor road later on. If doing the longer walk, leave the track and go through the small gate into the field ahead, crossing a tiny stream on a plank. Keep on a faint path ahead (not to the right); soon it comes close to the angle of a fence. Bear left beyond here, keeping the fence to your left. The going becomes very boggy at one point, and a rough, wet track comes through a gate on the left to join the route. Continue on this track as it swings uphill to the right into the pinewoods.
3. When the track turns to the left, continue ahead; the path is faint at first but soon improves and becomes very clear. There is a brief clearing before birch trees take over from the Scots pines; continue ahead, passing under power cables. Further on a gate is reached; this may be locked and may have to be climbed. Continue until the path reaches a much bigger track at a junction. Turn right here onto another smaller track, passing under the power cables once more, and reaching a second locked gate.
4. Cross the gate and head downhill to reach the attractive Docharn farmhouse, where the cycle track is joined once more. There are open views across to Cairngorm and its neighbours. Turn right along the cycle-way/track. After half a kilometre pass through a gate into the forest once more – this time a dense plantation. Continue along the track to reach a junction beside the minor road; turn right here onto a track (this is where you will rejoin the route if you took the shorter option earlier) and then immediately turn left onto a small path, signposted 'Woodland walks'. This runs parallel to the minor road, crosses it and then continues beside it on the far side until it reaches a track which turns left into the woods.
5. The track soon comes alongside the railway line; continue until a junction is reached with a large track veering off to the right. Turn along this track which soon comes alongside a fence and passes the tall wooden tower of the Landmark Forest Park. Go straight ahead across the access track for an overfill car park, and then keep on the main track ignoring branches left and right. Go through a gate to reach a lane between houses; this comes out in Carrbridge opposite the Carr Road turning took earlier. Turn left to return to the car park.
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