This is a short but steep forestry walk which ascends to a fine viewpoint for Badenoch and the Upper Spey valley.
Summary
This trail is short and well waymarked with an excellent path, but it does involve a steep climb.
Terrain
Users'
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1. Park at Gorstean car park where there is an interpretation board giving details of this walk and others in the area. Head through the gate with the green 'Forest walks' sign; from here the route is waymarked with white arrows. Follow the forest track for a short distance to reach a waymarker post indicating the start of a path turning off to the left; take this turning. The path takes a winding route up to the top of the pine-clad slope above - but don't be too daunted as the climb is worth it. It bends to the right at first, passing below a small crag.
2. Further on the path bends back left and climbs more steeply through the pinewood. The woodland is thinnest towards the top, giving glimpses of the wide strath far below. A path junction is soon reached; take the path on the left which is a short detour to a picnic bench with a superb open view down the Upper Spey, backed by the Monadh Liath and the Cairngorms. Once you've seen enough, return to the junction and this time keep straight on.
3. The path slopes downhill through the trees - but much less steeply than on the climb up! Look out for many types of fungi in the autumn. Further down it crosses a more open section with views out to the west towards the head of the Spey and the Creag Meagaidh massif. Further on it meets a forest track; turn right here to return to the start.
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Route profile
