Speyside Way 6: Boat of Garten to Aviemore

Summary

This section of the Speyside Way provides variety and mountain views and the bright lights of Aviemore. It can easily be done as a day walk combined with a trip on the steam train of the Strathspey Railway.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Clear path, minor road (no pavement), then paths and stony tracks, suitable for some off-road baby buggies. Most of the route is shared with the Sustrans cycle route.

Public Transport

Aviemore has excellent tranport links by bus and train. Boat of Garten is also served by bus, and both ends of the walk are linked by the Strathspey Steam Railway.

Start

Boat of Garten. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 51m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH943189

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

From the shop and Post Office, just up from the hotel, in the centre of Boat of Garten take the minor road opposite (Kinchurdy Rd) up a small rise and continue along the leafy street. As the road gets more wooded, the houses get grander with an interesting mix of styles each in their own woodland garden. Continue ahead when the surfaced road becomes a track. This route is also part of the Sustrans cycle network so look out for any bikes.

Stage 2

Once in more open ground, the Cairngorms can be seen to the left and also the track of the steam railway which runs regular trains between Aviemore and Broomhill, stopping at Boat of Garten, between the end of March and the end of October. Pass a lone cottage and keep following the Speyside Way thistle signs.

Stage 3

Soon after the cottage, turn left downhill to pass under the railway, following signs for Kinchurdy. Once over the cattle grid and part way down the hill look out for a signed path to the right and take this, soon passing through a gate. The route now passes over heather heathland with sparsely spaced trees.

Stage 4

There are good views to the Cairngorms to the left and as the route runs parallel to the railway line you should be treated to the sight and smell of the steam train during summer months, although in places it runs in a low cutting and can pass almost out of sight. Keep on the main path where it bends left and a narrower path continues ahead. Cross the rest of the heathery ground to pass the edge of a golf course with a lovely mountain backdrop.

Stage 5

You are now close to the edge of Aviemore, a fast growing town and year-round resort due to the skiing on Cairngorm. After passing through some grand Scots pines near the golf course the path meanders through birch trees before reaching some metal sculptures. When the path forks at one of these structures keep right and then right again (not heading down to the narrow footbridge) to soon head under the railway next to a stream.

Stage 6

Cross the bridge and head up the far side and keep on the main path to the right rather than going through the small gate straight ahead.

Stage 7

This winds through woodland on the edge of Aviemore, passing under another railway bridge. Keep on the main path as side paths leave for the housing estate on the left. Turn left just before the main road following a sign for Aviemore Centre and follow the pavement all the way into Aviemore, which has all facilities.

Next stage: Aviemore to Kincraig

Route Profile

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