I walked this section on Tuesday 17th June 2014, from Grantown to Ballindalloch taking 5 hrs 45 mins including stops; the weather was hot and sunny. I fully agree with others; the condition of the path on one section is a disgrace. The authorities responsible for its upkeep need to take action before someone has a serious accident. This is the section between Mains of Dalvey NJ108318 and the start of a Knock Frink say NJ122324. This is probably only a mile or so but it took me about an hour! Not sure the right of way making in the OS Explorer is that accurate!

Solo walkers should think seriously about tackling this sub section in wet weather; and it is safer and quicker, may be, to drop down to the A95. In places the path is no more than a rock and bolder strewn routing with added boggy bits. You need to take your time and carefully pick your way. The section is fenced with barbed wire, which perversely helps navigation but a few more markers would be welcomed. Views across the Spey valley are enjoyable.

From Grantown it is a pleasant walk through Anagach Woods, but confusing with the colour coded woodland paths and relatively few Thistle way markers.....why are these things painted brown! Soon after emerging, at last, from these woods the Spey is on hand, once crossed its a short distance to the Disused railway line. Following this you soon pass the glorious Cromdale station, and then after a mile meet the A95. Doubling back a short distance to cross this to start the long ascent through Tom an Urid Wood....a rather dull forestry section.

After the nasty bit mentioned above there is more forestry in Knock Fink before emerging once more opposite Garvault plantation, then dropping down to cross the burn before taking what turns it to be a very steep climb into the plantation, in search of a forestry track. Once found it is easy to miss the left turn off the track that takes you down again on a good path and eventually to the A95.

The road section is fine; there's a good path, with hedging between you and the road. Crossing the A95 for a second time, the route takes some time before it finally gets close to the Spey, and the line of the railway is rejoined.....then it's chu chu, non stop to Ballindalloch, where there is a toilet and a small campsite. Enjoy the erroneous distance sign, 12 miles to Grantown! Good pub hotel at Ballindalloch.