Speyside Way 7: Aviemore to Kincraig

Summary

The extension to the Speyside Way from Aviemore to Kincraig opened in 2015, with the further extension to Newtonmore opening in 2021. This section shadows the railway line for most of its length, following a path through attractive birchwoods on the Kinrara estate, before a final section above the river from Speybank into Kincraig.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Well-made and broad path; suitable for bikes although with some short steep ascents.

Getting there

Start

Aviemore railway station.

Public Transport

Aviemore has buses/trains; Kincraig has bus to Kingussie and Aviemore.

Start Grid Ref

NH895123

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Services

Aviemore is a major tourist hub with plentiful hotels, guest houses, hostels and camping. Kincraig has a cafe and a hotel.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.5km / 6.5 miles
Time: 2.5 hours
Ascent: 143m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Beginning from the railway station, the new section of the Speyside Way begins by heading south along the main street (turning left coming out from the station). Follow the pavement along the north side of the road, eventually passing La Taverna and keeping straight ahead to bypass the junction with the roundabout (where the Cairngorm road goes off left). Continue along the roadside path for a further 500m until a barrier ahead indicates where to turn left, crossing the road carefully and heading down a track opposite. This soon passes beneath the railway.

Stage 2

On the far side the track swings right, parallel to the railway line; keep right at a fork to continue on the new cycle path. There are good views over to the Cairngorms on the left. Pass through a gate and continue ahead; the route is fringed by birchwoods and bends left to cross a bridge over the Allt na Criche before turning sharp right just beyond. The prominent monument seen over to the left is the memorial to the Duke of Gordon on the summit of Torr Alvie.

Stage 3

Continue on the surfaced path between two fences, going straight ahead at a track. The A9 is now mostly out of earshot, and although the path shadows a line of pylons, this section is quite idyllic in natural birch woodland. Cross another new footbridge over a burn, with the railway seen crossing a higher bridge to the right.

Stage 4

Keep straight ahead across a track to climb a series of zig-zags. Another fenced section follows before the path crosses another track; keep ahead, now in denser woodland. Ignore a track off to the right under the railway (that leads to Dalraddy campsite and car park). Continue ahead between the railway and open pastures, and then through woodland. When a track is met beyond this, keep straight ahead onto it, with some of the houses of Speybank over to the left. Keep ahead onto the tarmac road.

Stage 5

When the road bends right to cross a bridge over the railway, leave it and instead follow the track ahead through the gate. This soon runs along a wooded ridge, giving tantalising glimpses of the Cairngorms and across the strath. The official Speyside Way follows the winding constructed path through the trees, but those on foot can choose to fork left along the Badenoch Way footpath which takes a more direct line high above the river, parallel to the Speyside Way but with better views. Keeping to the main Speyside Way path, a junction is soon reached - you can detour left here to reach a bench on the Badenoch Way path - a fine viewpoint - before returning to the Speyside Way.

Stage 6

The path swings left and right, crossing one bridge and rejoining the Badenoch Way route to cross another over a boggy area. Eventually it meets a track; turn left along this, which becomes a road and leads past some fine, grand houses as it leads into Kincraig. When the main road is met turn left to reach the excellent Old Post Office cafe.

Next stage: Kincraig to Newtonmore

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