Torr Alvie and the Duke of Gordon Monument

Climb to one of the best viewpoints in the Strathspey, Tor Alvie. This beautiful wooded ridge high above the Spey and Kinara House. Pass the Waterloo Cairn before reaching the Duke of Gordon's pillar which is a fabulous viewpoint; one of the best short walks in the area.

Terrain

Rough landrover track.

Public Transport

None to start

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Start

Car park at entrance to Dalraddy caravan and campsite. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.25km/3.25 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 150m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NH858082

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 the parking area at the entrance to Dalraddy Holiday Park just off the B9152 south of Alvie. Walk back to the road and turn right to take the private road signed Kinrara - vehicles are not allowed on this road. Go through the gateway and follow the road, crossing the railway, until a bend where a track goes off to the left uphill - follow this track.

Stage 2

Head through old pines, juniper and birch trees and follow the track through a gate to the edge of a field. Bear left to follow the fenceline on a vague grassy track. Keep to the right of the fence as you climb eventually reaching a metal gate at the very top of the field, where a track heads into the woods. There are great views back over Strathspey and the Cairngorm mountains to the left.

Stage 3

Follow the track through the woods which has a very unspoilt feel, although it was once set out as much more formal parkland attached to Kinrara House, the former summer home of Jane, Duchess of Gordon. Keep climbing on the track which follows the top of the bumpy ridge which has fine views and wonderful old pine trees.

Stage 4

Look out for a small path on the right which leads to the Waterloo Cairn, which is just visible from the main track, as a pile of stones. The Cairn is a great viewpoint, it was erected by Marquis of Huntly, in 1815 in memory of the officers and soldiers of the Gordon Highlanders and the Royal Regiment who fell at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815. Return to the main track and bear right to continue along the ridge.

Stage 5

At the far end of the undulating track, the massive pillar of the Duke of Gordon monument is reached. This commands a view to north Strathspey and is visible from miles around. The tall monument commemorates the last Duke of Gordon who died in 1836.

Stage 6

From the pillar the best return route is to retrace your steps along the ridge and descend by the outward route. There are different views to enjoy. Keep right after the gate into the field to follow the fence round to the start of the track on the right which leads down to the entrance road. Turn right at the road to return to 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.