River Spey and woodland walk, Boat of Garten

Summary

This very pleasant circuit from Boat of Garten follows the River Spey and then heading inland through delightful woodland bursting with widlife. These special woods are home to the rare capercaillie, and dogs should be kept on a short lead during the very sensitive breeding season between 1 April and 15 August.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Grassy tracks and woodland paths.

Public Transport

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

Start

Boat of Garten golf club / Strathspey railway car park. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.75km / 6 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 94m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH944189

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Start from Boat of Garten where there is usually parking in the centre near the smaller shop and post office, or you may be able to park at the car parks for the Golf Club and Strathspey Steam Railway (follow the signs). If starting from the Post Office head down the main street and continue around the corner to the left at the Hotel. At the next junction turn right to head under the railway bridge passing the entrance to the Golf Club and Strathspey Steam Railway on the right. (If starting from the car park here, turn right on the main road to pick up the route). Take the next turning on the right signed for Dalvoult and take the middle track signed for Miller's Pool and following this over a cattle grid.

Stage 2

The steam railway that runs from Aviemore to Broomhill near Nethy Bridge can be seen over to the right. In the summer the train offers lots of opportunities to combine a walk with a rail trip as it fits in with the route of the Speyside Way. Go through a gate, still following signs to Dalvoult. Eventually the main track swings left to Dalvoult - leave it and go straight on through a gate onto a slightly rougher track. Open at first, this soon leads through birch woodland.

Stage 3

At a locked gate, use the pedestrian gate on the left to keep along the track as it reaches the riverside, there are 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 uphill away from the river.

Stage 4

At Kinchurdy Farm keep right to head between the barn and the farmhouse and follow the track through open countryside. Eventually the Speyside Way is reached, ignore the path to the left and stay on the track to head under the railway. Eventually a staggered crosspaths is reached - go straight ahead here, signed for Community Hall; a lone cottage can be seen off 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 back to the Post Office at the start.

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