Second part of a fantastic day’s walk

[Michellemgreen]

So I decided to be awkward and walk the Speyside way the other way run, from Kincraig! I also decided that I would do the first two sections together, so walking from Kingussie to Boat of Garten.

I left my car in Boat by the Community Centre and caught the bus to Aviemore and then another to Kincraig. My walk from Kincraig to Aviemore is detailed under that heading. The day was beautiful, cold and sunny so ideal for walking.

From Aviemore the walk is rather uninspiring as you walk through the town on the main road. (An alternative would be to walk by the Old Bridge Inn and continue past the Strathspey Railway year’s along the quiet road - as this runs parallel to the main road.) Once past the town, the path turns right and a short way along you see an industrial estate to your right. The first building houses the Highland Home Centre and Route 7 cafe, a very convenient stop for a coffee and cake (and a sausage for Purdy the dog!).

The route takes you past the side of the MacDonald Strathspey Golf Course, and through mixed woodland with silver birch and aspen. Continuing on the path, which is also a cycle track and has a good fast surface, you will see glimpses of the Strathspey Railway on your left and if you are lucky will see a steam train chugging by. The path meanders through heathland with an amazing amount of Scots Pine regeneration, a pine forest in the making.

A gate takes you into Kinchurdy estate and the path is followed under the railway bridge to the Yard, a stone cottage. From here you follow a a track alongside the pine forest until you reach the houses at Kinchurdy Road. You can follow this road to the end, to the post office and shop or if you prefer to walk off road, turn left into the woodland and walk through the woods on the Red Squirrel trail. My motive for doing this is it led me back to my car which was parked at the Community Centre.

A thoroughly enjoyable day, this section took 2.08 hours at a brisk walk, so the two sections took just over 4 hours.