This varied circuit climbs above Grantown on Spey into the quiet, rolling hills, with fine distant views of the Cairngorms. The return visits a lovely stretch of the River Spey, and the town's old curling and skating loch.
Bog Factor
Good tracks, paths and minor roads throughout.
The Square, Grantown on Spey.
Bus to Grantown on Spey.
NJ033279
Start the walk from the Square - the green space at the centre of Grantown-on-Spey; there is parking here, and more at the nearby Burnfield car park. Begin the walk up Seafield Avenue, which leaves from the corner of the square just to the left of the Co-op supermarket. Follow this road past the houses and the caravan park, passing under the old railway line and follow the road round to the left and then bear right steeply uphill. Here ignore the path to the right which leads to the Dava Way on the old railway line.
Continue up the road which climbs steeply in a series of zig-zags, eventually reaching the old farmhouse at Wester Dreggie. Pass to the right of the farmhouse and barn to reach a signed fork; take the left track, signed for Wester Gorton.
The track passes through some fine birchwoods, and then becomes more open after passing through a gate. There are lovely views both over the nearby hills, and to the distant Cairngorms seen to the left on a fine day.
Ignore any tracks off on either side and continue on the main track, which eventually descends and passes the cottage at Wester Gorton. Go through the gate on the track and at the bottom of the hill there's a ford over the Glenbeg Burn. There is a small bridge just to the left.
Continue on the track on the far side which soon climbs steeply. Continue on the main track to pass the buildings at Glenbeg and head downhill. At the bottom the track becomes a minor road, continue along it, climbing slightly before passing some houses and descending to pass back under the old railway line. A junction is reached just short of the A95. Turn left here, and ignore the first turning on the right which joins the A95, instead continuing ahead onto a path that runs parallel to the main road. Keep an eye out for the next opening on the right and take this to head straight across the busy A95 onto a minor road opposite.
The road leads down to a lovely stretch of the River Spey. At the T-junction beside the river, turn left. After passing a small beach and bench, the road climbs away from the river. Just before it reaches the A95 once more, turn right into the car park and then immediately left down steps to head through a tunnel beneath the road.
The path curves right after the tunnel and emerges near a house. Turn left here onto a good path that keeps to the left of the house. The path leads through the woods; keep straight ahead, ignoring paths on either side. The path emerges in parkland in Grantown, with Grant Park lochan seen on the right. The lochan was created when the sewage works were built, and for many years served as a skating and curling rink in the winter months; today there are many ducks. Continue along the path until it meets the main road in Grantown. Turn right to head along the High Street, keeping straight ahead until it returns to the Square.
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