by Kenneth R Sharp » Mon Jul 07, 2014 6:01 pm
Date walked: 15/06/2014
Time taken: 6 days
Distance: 106 km
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An easy 6 day walk on good tracks and paths, undertaken south to north, with over night stops at Boat of Garden (6 miles), Grantown (10.5 miles), Ballinalloch (14 miles), Craigellachie (12 miles), Fochabers (13 miles) and Buckie (10 miles).
This low level walk, is mainly along forestry tracks and the disused Speyside railway line. Sections alongside the Spey itself are relatively few there are some spectacular views from the high ground and the river is crossed a number of times. The estuary at Spey Bay is rewarding and the a Scottish Dolphin centre is conveniently located here, just 5 miles from the finish at Buckie.
The official finish is now located in the town centre; continue along the coast road from Buckpool and follow the signage to the town centre.
There is one section, the longest and hardest between Grantown and Ballindalloch which is poorly maintained. It has too many squeeze gates, barbed wire fencing and the uneven path is potentially hazardous, especially in wet weather. This is a shame as the contouring around the hills of this section offers good views of Spey valley. I have written a more detailed report on this section.
The first day is really too short and somewhat dull, avoided perhaps by pushing on to Grantown.
The Tomintoul spur was regretfully missed out; this would provided a more Cairngorm experience and added some much need contrast.
A pleasant enough walk, ideal if new to long distance walking.
My weather was excellent.
- Attachments
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- Start / Finish at Buckie....now located close to the town centre.
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- A Grey seal at Port Gordon...one of several and close to the shore
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- The Spey near to Spey Bay
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- Crossing the Spey at Carron
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- Ballindalloch station.....
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- Infamous Squeeze Gates.....too many!
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- Cromdale Station
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- Typical section of disused railway near Cromdale
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- The Strathspey Railway... between Aviemoe and Boat of Garten