Speyside Way 8: Kincraig to Newtonmore

Summary

This final section of the Speyside Way from Kincraig to Newtonmore opened in 2021. The route passes Loch Insh and the picturesque Uath Lochans, before leading through the Insh Marshes nature reserve and passing Ruthven Barracks to reach Kingussie. It then follows the cycle path to Newtonmore.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Mostly broad, constructed path, much of it suitable for mountain bikes, though some narrower sections.

Getting there

Start

Kincraig.

Public Transport

Kincraig has bus links to Kingussie, Newtonmore and Aviemore.

Start Grid Ref

NH833056

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 21km / 13 miles
Time: 4 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 285m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

From the cafe in Kincraig, continue east along the minor road, crossing the bridge over the River Spey where it flows out from Loch Insh. At the far side of the bridge turn left onto constructed path that turns right near a bench, and then winds through the trees. It eventually reemerges on the road - turn left to follow it and then a path beside it. Ignore the footpath sign for Feshiebridge off to the left, and continue on the path that continues parallel to the road, passing a football pitch. At the end of this turn left on the signed path along the far side, that soon climbs up and swings right, giving great views over Loch Insh and the watersports centre.

Stage 2

Eventually the path emerges at another minor road - cross this and take the path left on the far side. This soon reaches a track - turn right along this, into the woods. Keep straight ahead on this track, ignoring driveways off left. Further on the track is followed as it swings right, and then narrows to a surfaced path along the edge of the woods. Continue on the path when it turns left through a gap in an old drystone wall. The path now nears another minor road, and runs parallel to it for some time, before crossing to continue on the far side.

Stage 3

When a track is reached, turn right along it. Soon there are views over one of the Uath Lochans off on the left, and the track leads to a car park. Follow the track around the right side of the car park, curving left on the far side. Keep straight ahead at the next junction with another lochan visible through the trees on the left. Ignore a path to the left and soon the wide path starts to climb, keep straight on uphill. Ignore a path to the right (or detour up it for a fantastic view over the Uath Lochans from Farleitter Crag) and keep straight on. At a T junction turn left and soon left again following the green Speyside Way markers. The path meanders through the conifers before emerging at a track with a bench and an open view to the hills in front. Keep straight ahead and follow the track downhill.

Stage 4

At a track junction turn right soon heading past a gate and then a house on the left. Just before the road is reached turn sharp left to follow a path towards Inveruglass. The path goes through a gate and there are some good views to the Monadhliath mountains to the right. Ignore a path down to Insh on the right and continue up through a gate and onto a track, ignoring another path to the right and later one on the left. Eventually a farm gate leads to Inveruglass, continue ahead past the houses and keep straight ahead when the road splits. Continue ahead past the remaining houses and head through a gate and onto a wide path with open views. After going through an area of pine trees the path widens to a track and passes a gate and bench and then the houses at Drumguish. Keep straight ahead at the road junction and follow the track as it bends left downhill with tall pines on the right.

Stage 5

At the track at the bottom turn sharp right to reach the road at Tromie Bridge. Turn left at the road, crossinig the bridge over the cascading River Tromie. Fork right off the road where a track leads off, ignoring the track itself and instead heading through the kissing gate to take the path that begins parallel to the road. This winds through beautiful birch woodland, eventually emerging at a track. Turn left and then immediately right here to continue on a path that now runs closely parallel to a road. Eventually this bends right at the Insh Marshes Nature Reserve.

Stage 6

Off to the right is the 'Lookout' - a raised platform with a superb view over the marsh. Retrace steps very briefly from the lookout then turn right down steps to reach the parking area. Go right along the track until a gate, then take the path on the left. This soon comes parallel to the road once more, eventually crossing and continuing on the other side.

Stage 7

There are superb views ahead of the ruins of Ruthven Barracks, built to help subdue the area after the first Jacobite uprising of 1715. The path eventually descends to join the road - continue along it for a time, bending right and passing under the A9 and then over the River Spey.

Stage 8

Eventually a path runs parallel to the road on the right hand side, passing through some lovely Scots Pines as it heads into the small town of Kingussie. When the main road is reached, the High Street, shops and cafes are to the right, but to continue the walk to Newtonmore, turn left along the pavement, passing some large bed and breakfasts.

Stage 9

After the end of the houses, the pavement becomes a path. Turn left when signed as a cycle path; this cycle path is then followed to Newtonmore, reaching the town at its excellent Highland Folk Museum. Continue beside the road to reach the town centre.

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