Kingussie and Newtonmore via Loch Gynack

Summary

This enjoyable and varied walk links the Badenoch towns of Kingussie and Newtonmore. The outward stretch loops through the wild woods to Loch Gynack before crossing moorland with grand views of the distant mountains. The return to Kingussie is along a cyclepath.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked, but with some rough / muddy sections in the woods, and exposed with infrequent marking on moorland section. Finish along cyclepath.

Getting there

Start

Ardvonie car park in the centre of Kingussie, off Gynack Road.

Public Transport

Bus and train service to Kingussie.

Start Grid Ref

NH755007

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.25km / 7 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 365m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

There is a good sized car park in Kingussie off Gynack Road, behind the Duke of Gordon hotel. Begin the walk by turning left out of the car park and continuing up Gynack Road. After passing the grand old hospital building (amongst the trees on the left) the road forks, the right branch being the golf club car park and the left branch climbing into the caravan site. Take the left branch up amongst the caravans, and then at the green footpath signpost turn left - signed for Newtonmore and for the Golf Course circular (as well as Creag Bheag). The route then leaves the campsite via a gate and curves right into the woods. Keep left at a first signposted junction, and then right at a second junction - following the signs for the Golf Course circular at both.

Stage 2

The path - rough and muddy in places - winds a course through the attractive native woodlands, gradually gaining height to give some glimpses of more distant views. Eventually an area of silver birches is reached and the path meets another coming down from Creag Bheag on the left, with a good view of Loch Gynack ahead. Go straight ahead at this cross-roads of paths, onto a newly built path which heads on towards the loch before swinging left. The path leads on through the fine birchwoods, descending slightly with Loch Gynack close by to the right.

Stage 3

Eventually the path climbs clear of the woods and crosses the moorland as Loch Gynack is left behind. There are good views ahead towards Creag Dubh and the Munros of the Monadhliath range. Keep an eye out for the green marker posts and look out for the scant remains of what was once a community here. Eventually the route joins a grassy track before markers indicate where it bends right to head for a gap in a tumbledown drystone wall with a gate immediately beyond in a fence. Continue on the faint grassy track beyond until a fork with another marker post; bear right here to follow the route as it leads over to reach the conifer plantations on the right and then continues alongside them.

Stage 4

Continue along the near edge of the plantation, crossing over a track and then a footbridge. At the far corner the route goes through a gate in a deer fence and then turns left. This section is indistinct as the path splits into several options, but generally it follows the left bank of the burn, eventually joining a clear track. The track soon fords the burn with a footbridge available on the left. Beyond this it reaches a second, broader burn; this time there is a footbridge on the right - rejoin the track beyond the ford. A tarred minor road is eventually reached; keep left along this and follow it as it eventually leads to the A86 and the eastern edge of Newtonmore.

Stage 5

The shops and cafes of the town can be visited by turning right, but to continue the circuit back to Kingussie turn left. Soon the entrance to the Highland Folk Museum is reached (on the opposite side of the road) - a visit to this superb museum is highly recommended. Just pas the entrance a cycle path branches off and continues parallel to the road, providing a safe walk back to Kingussie.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Kingussie & Newtonmore Hotels

Kingussie & Newtonmore B&B

Kingussie & Newtonmore cottages

Cairngorms hostels

Glamping and Camping

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