Craigellachie to Ballindalloch

This straightforward section of the Speyside Way mostly follows the bed of the old railway line. There is the opportunity to stop off in the picturesque little town of Aberlour with its superb deli before continuing along the railway past a succession of distilleries to end at Ballindalloch. IMPORTANT NOTE: Ballindalloch Viaduct is closed - this means a long unsigned road diversion or a taxi funded by council operating between Blackboat and Ballindalloch - see details.

Terrain

Easy walking, mostly grassy tracks along old railway line.

Public Transport

Craigellachie and Aberlour are linked by bus from Elgin. Ballindalloch has only a single morning bus.

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Start

Craigellachie. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 19.5km/12 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 48m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NJ292451

Maps / GPS

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Explorers 419 and 424
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
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Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Moray hostels

Walk Description

Stage 1

This stage of the Speyside Way starts in Allachie Park in Craigellachie. There is a noticeboard and a sign for the Speyside Way to Aberlour. Go under the road and past a gate and soon the path runs along the mighty river Spey where fishermen can often be standing deep out in the water. The path curves round through an underpass and passes through open farmland, with a tunnel. Where a track leads down to a fishing hut on the right continue straight ahead.

Stage 2

On the outskirts of Aberlour follow the path behind houses to reach a park. Take the path to the left which leads to the old station, now a cafe and information centre. If you wish to visit Aberlour, the centre with its fine independent shops and a range of accommodation are to the left at this point. Otherwise head up the lane immediately alongside the Mash Tun pub; this climbs up and crosses a bridge over the road before sloping down to a large car park near the Spey. Continue ahead through the car park to follow the Way from its far (left) corner.

Stage 3

A path signed for 'Linn Falls' goes off to the left; continue ahead across the footbridge. Pass the playing fields and continue along the old railway line, soon leading under a bridge and through some fine pastureland. At one point the Way crosses a track but the route is always obvious. After a woodland section the Dailuaine Distillery Treatment Plant is seen on the right - this treats the waste water from the distilling process so it is safe to enter the Spey. Further on join a tarred lane before forking right off it through a gate past the Dailuaine Halt - once a stopping point on the railway. There is a picnic bench here.

Stage 4

After passing under another bridge the Way emerges at a tarred road. Head straight across this to continue alongside it and cross the Bridge of Carron. High above the Spey, this offers great views of the river. On the far side pass through a gap in a fence on the left to join a path which again runs beside the road. The small settlement of Carron is reached at a picnic area with an information board. Go left on the road beyond and then turn right at the entrance to the derelict Imperial Disitllery. As the road enters the woods the Speyside Way branches left to continue along the old railway line alongside. At Dalmunach the route emerges beside the road with a bungalow to the left; continue ahead here on the middle grassy track, with the road on the right and a surfaced track to the left.

Stage 5

The old railway now gently curves round to the left, giving views down to the lovely cottage and garden at Millhaugh. For a time the route runs close to the Spey and there are some glimpses down to the water. Keep straight on as another two tracks cross the route and to reach Knockando Distillery. A short distance further and the old Tamdhu station is reached, still with its old platform, waiting room and signal box; just beyond is the Tamdhu Distillery, sadly closing in 2010. Follow the grassy track that runs past the distillery and passes above fields, eventually leading under another bridge.

Stage 6

Cross the high bridge over the Cally Burn and continue through the idyllic birchwoods and fields. Just before the route passes under the road at Blacksboat there are views across to a pretty fishing hut on the far side of the Spey. Blacksboat is another attractive old station and an area is set aside for campers. This is the start point for the taxi to avoid the bridge closure - see summary above. Continue ahead along the old railway when the main track goes off to the right.

Stage 7

After a section with clear views over the river, continue ahead once more when a main track goes off left. The attractive whitewashed and turretted house on the right is Pitchroy. Cross a wobbly suspension bridge over a tributary and pass under a bridge. Keep straight on when a gated track crosses the route and eventually reach the huge iron-box bridge over the Spey, built by C McFarlane of Dundee. BRIDGE CURRENTLY CLOSED - see summary above for details. Ballindalloch is reached just beyond. There is a permitted camping area on the left (with toilet in season), whilst bed and breakfast accommdation is available within the hamlet and there is a hotel around 2km off-route to the left.

Next stage: Ballindalloch to Grantown on Spey

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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.