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It had rained heavily during the night but it was a lovely blue sky morning and we went for an unadventurous but highly enjoyable section of the Speyside Way, walking from Aviemore to Kincraig.
Tree cutter
We decided to start the walk from the house which added about a mile to the route before joining it formally at La Taverna. As we walked through the woods a jet fighter appeared very low heading north up the Spey. It was triangular in shape and very, very loud. The other highlight was watching a guy high up cutting down a tree, a large section dropping and just missing a lodge. Luck or design?
Dying autumn colours
The short road section led to the road crossing before heading down under the railway and onto the route proper.
You cannot get lost, just follow this very well made walking and biking trail. You are walking alongside the railway but only 3 trains passed us on route.
More autumn colours
The pathway is lined with trees and ferns most of which are turning to their autumn colours, lovely. Excellent views of the Cairngorms along with the prominent memorial to the Duke of Gordon sticking up from a hill.
Duke of Gordon monument
We come across some deep deer prints on the track. I know the track build is softish but I reckon this was a large Red deer landing hard after a leap or fast run, speculate why?
Deer prints
A lovely up and down section zig-zagging then over a burn and an excellently constructed wooden bridge, want to redo my fence?
Railway bridge
Into another woodland section now along with the option of a detour, if required, to Dalraddy campsite/caravan park for refreshments. Their log cabins seem to go on for ages it must be a big site.
Woodland track
Pass some new houses and reach a new wooden bench with excellent views over the Spey to the mountains (lunch break in the warm sunshine).
Spey valley
The river Spey has been conspicuous by its absence until now which considering the name of the way is slightly disappointing.
New bench good spot for lunch
Follow the Badenoch trail section which is a narrow track meandering through the ferns with high views of the river below, a bit more interesting than the other track.
Typical Badenoch section
A buzzard cried over head but better still when I put the binos on it I could see a pair of golden eagles circling high in the sky until they disappeared.
We enter the outskirts of Kincraig and pass many old cracking looking granite houses, I want one of them. I love the 'get in there, fist pumping' lion on this gate in the village.
Fist pumping lion
The walk for us ends at the war memorial next to the bus stop. Walkhighlands route description says that there is a village shop but if so we could not find it. Disappointed as I was looking forward to a bar of chocolate and a can of Irn Bru, healthy or what.
Kincraig war memorial
Instead we just sat on the bench and enjoyed the sun shining on our faces for the 30 minutes until the bus back to Aviemore. A good walk, a good day.
Distance 7.9 miles (12.71km)
Time: 3.01 hours
Ascent: 460 ft (140m)
