River Spey and woodland walk, Boat of Garten

Summary

This very pleasant circuit from Boat of Garten follows the River Spey for the first half, before heading inland through delightful woodland bursting with widlife. Grazing livestock on first stage then woods which are home to the rare capercaillie - dogs should be kept on a short lead during the very sensitive breeding season 1 April - 31 August.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Grassy tracks through fields and woodland paths.

Getting there

Start

Layby just west of River Spey bridge near Boat of Garten Golf Club.

Public Transport

Bus to Boat of Garten, Strathspey steam train (summer only) from Broomhill and Aviemore.

Start Grid Ref

NH944189

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.75km / 6 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 94m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

Start from the eastern end of Boat of Garten where there is a parking layby just west of the River Spey bridge just beyond the Golf Club as you leave the village. From the layby head back towards Boat of Garten and immediately turn left signed for Dalvoult and keep left to head up past two houses and over a cattle grid.

Stage 2

The track now heads down and across fields (grazing livestock often with young). Continue on the track, head through a gateway and ignore the track left which leads to the house at Wester Dalvoult. The track continues through open land then through birch woodland before coming close to the river.

Stage 3

Go through another gate as the track now follows the riverside with good views of the Cairngorms ahead. Keep following the track along the banks of the wide River Spey where fisherman can often be seen and where the local ospreys also hunt. A bench offers a great spot to enjoy the river. When a large fishing hut comes into view ahead the track reaches a junction. Turn right here to head through a gate next to a cattle grid and uphill away from the river towards farm buildings.

Stage 4

At Kinchurdy Farm keep right to head between the barn and the old farmhouse and follow the track through farmland passing cottages on your left. Continue ahead through a gate and eventually the Speyside Way is reached. Igore the path to the left and stay on the track to head under the railway and up to a staggered crosspaths. Go straight ahead here, signed for Community Hall; a lone cottage (the Yard) is just to the right. Keep straight on to follow the forestry track into the pine trees.

Stage 5

At the next junction turn right following the sign for Community Hall, then at the following junction turn right, signed for Kinchurdy Road. Before the road is reached, a path turns left at the corner of the wire fence of the last house. Turn left here to head through the woods passing Creag Bheag, a small rocky outcrop with a bench and a great view across to the Cairngorm mountains.

Stage 6

Keep following the main path to a signed junction; bear left here to follow the sign for Deshar Road via Fairy Hill. Soon a larger path comes in from the left - bear right onto it. Just beyond it there is a crosspaths - a short detour to the left takes you to the top of Fairy Hill, which has a large cairn and a bench; a good stopping point though views are obscured by trees. Return to the main path and continue along it, ignoring smaller branches and a bench. Soon a well constructed path is met - bear right along this. The fenced area on the right encloses a mountain bike pump track. Keep right at a fork and then continue ahead at the junction at the edge of the village. Keep straight on between the houses to reach the main road. Turn right here to follow the road, passing the shop, and continuing as the road bends left then right to head under the railway and return to the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Grantown-on-Spey Hotels

Grantown-on-Spey B&B

Grantown-on-Spey cottages

Cairngorms hostels

Glamping and Camping

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