A lovely walk exploring the edge of the Insh Marshes RSPB nature reserve with good views and varied countryside. Bring binoculars for the three bird hides.
Bog Factor
Clear paths with some steps and some rough sections.
Insh Marshes/Invertromie RSPB reserve car park off B970, 0.5km east of Ruthven Barracks.
None to start.
NN774998
Start at the Insh Marshes RSPB reserve car park and walk away from the B970 to the rear of the parking area. At the start there is the option to detour 250m to the Gordonhall hide. This hide and others on the route overlook the floodplain and depending on the time of year it is possible to see ducks, geese, swans, lapwings, curlews, redshanks, buzzards and osprey from here to name but a few. To start the walk head uphill from the parking area. At a fork the route takes the 'Invertromie Trail' to the right, but first go left visit the luxurious, circular Lookout hide which boasts a rooftop terrace, and information in the hide beneath.
Now take the Invertromie Trail, soon forking left onto a smaller path at a wooden barrier. There are good views over the marshes and woodland. The Insh Marshes are important for wildlife as they are the largest area of floodplain in Britain that has not been improved or drained meaning it supports a vast array of different species. It also means that as the marshes flood naturally several times a year the views are often different on each visit. Follow the trail as it passes next to a fence with the woodland on the left. Cross a small wooden bridge. Just afterwards there is a chance to detour 180m down steps to the Invertromie Hide which overlooks the wetland.
Continuing on the trail, climb gently across grassland towards the woods. Pass through a small gate and bear slightly right on the narrow but clear path as it enters the woodland. Roe deer can often be seen in this area and in the autumn there are many types of fungi. Soon a t-junction with a sign is reached. To the left here is another possible detour to a view point and picnic area; the main route turns right.
Keep following the white arrow markers and continue on the path to a gate where you cross a track to pick up the path on the other side. The path follows a ridge with good views from a seat, and lots of purple heather in late summer/autumn. Pass through another gate and into a lovely area of birch woodland. The trail then curves round to the left heading downhill and then turns right at a signed junction (path left leads to an old churchyard).
At the bottom of a slope the path turns right, follows a wall and passes through a gate and then slopes downhill to emerge into Tromiebridge meadow, through another gate. Here the path follows the banks of the River Tromie, where Tromie Mills can be seen on the far side. 150 different plant species have been identified in this meadow which is particular good for orchids and butterflies. Follow the riverbank path which then heads away from the river into the meadow. Here the path splits, follow the grassy track to the left to a gate and the B970. Do not head out onto the road, instead turning right onto a broad constructed path - part of the Speyside Way.
Keep following the path through some fine birch woodland.When it emerges at a track, go left and then immediately right to continue on the path parallel to the road. After another 400m it returns to the start.
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