This short waymarked circular climbs through some lovely deciduous woodland to several fine viewpoints overlooking Grantown-on-Spey and the distant cairngorms. The walk finishes along a stretch of the old railway line - now part of the Dava Way.
Clear footpaths, fair amount of ascent.
Bus to Grantown-on-Spey.
Grantown-on-Spey.
Start the walk from the square at the centre of the lovely planned town of Grantown-on-Spey. Begin by heading up Seafield Avenue, signed for Viewpoints Walk, just to the left of the Co-op. Follow this road past the houses and then the caravan park.
The road passes under the old railway bridge; straight after this turn right, following the signpost to cross a small wooden bridge and keep to the right of a gate to follow a path that slopes up onto the old railway line. This is now part of the Dava Way, a 23 mile route linking Grantown and Forres and passing Dallas Dhu distillery on the way.
Once up on the old railway line, turn left and follow it for 150m, thentake the next path off to the left through a small gate (signed Viewpoint Trail). This path bears right parallel to the old line before curving left to climb through woodland and then between two rows of wire fencing. The path climbs quite steeply. Part way up a stile to the left can be used to make a short detour to visit a viewpoint and seat overlooking part of the town, with the Cairngorms visible beyond.
Return to the main path and continue uphill. Cross two sets of gates and continue climbing passing another seat with a fine view over the town to the Cromdale Hills.
The path now and weaves through fine mixed woodland which includes a number of large juniper bushes. As the route reaches a fence and an open field the path heads up towards the right and continues through trees and reaches a track at a bend. Take the left hand / uphill track, but only for a short distance. Very soon fork right off the track reach the final viewpoint just over to the right amongst the trees. There are benches here and a view indicator showing the hills you can see on a clear day.
Do not return to the track, instead continuing past the benches on the grassy path. At the far end of the small group of Scots Pines descend to a clearer path below the crag. The path keeps to the right of a fence and continues straight on to join a track. Pass through a farm gate on the track and pass a number of houses on the left. After a while of heading downhill you reach the old railway line at a missing bridge. Here the Dava Way continues to Forres on the left, but our route (signed for Grantown) turns right to walk back along the old railway line.
Continue on the Dava Way through a deep cutting of the railway and pass above the caravan park. After passing the signed path to the viewpoints, turn right at the next junction to leave the old railway and descend back to the outward part of the route. After going through the gate, turn left under the railway bridge and follow the road back into the centre of Grantown-on-Spey.
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