River Spey & old railway, by Grantown-on-Spey

Summary

This short walk follows the Speyside Way along the old railway line near Grantown on Spey before returning on a rougher path right beside the Spey. Views of woodland, farmland, distant hills and the beautiful River Spey.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good cycle path for outward stretch. Return along river is indistinct and informal path, used by fishermen but often wet in long grass. Long flight of steps near end, then roadside pavement. Livestock in fields.

Getting there

Start

Informal layby on B970 just SE of junction with A95 south of Grantown on Spey.

Public Transport

Bus to Grantown from Cromdale and Nethy Bridge/Aviemore passes start.

Start Grid Ref

NJ035262

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.5km / 3.5 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 30m (Profile)

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OL61 - Grantown-on-Spey

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Start from the informal parking layby opposite the old smokehouse building on the right just after the turn off for Nethy Bridge (B970) from the A95 south of Grantown on Spey; do not obstruct access for farm vehicles to the field. If full you can usually find more parking on nearby Achnagonalin industrial estate (home to an excellent cafe/bakery and pizzeria). If walking from Grantown either take A939 (or the old military road through the woods) and cross the Spey Bridge and take the 2nd right off the A95. Start by crossing the B970 and taking the Speyside Way path on the left hand side of the entrance to the industrial building ahead. This heads round the back of the building, through a gate and up a ramp onto the old railway line.

Stage 2

The Speyside Line railway ran closed in 1968 and became part of the Speyside Way long distance walk in 1981. The route now runs from Buckie on the Moray coast to Newtownmore mainly following the River Spey. Follow the path under a bridge and through a set of double gates and continue ahead passing through sparse birch trees.

Stage 3

Continue on the Speyside Way for 2.3km until just before a wooden footbridge over the Auchernack Burn. Go through the farm gate on the left before this bridge, then turn right to pass under the old railway line and reach the banks of the River Spey at the confluence. Bear right along the riverside. The route passes through fields used for livestock and growing fodder - so keep to the edge near the river. The route eventually crosses a stile and becomes a clearer riverside path. There are views across the water to the modern Cairn distillery on the opposite side.

Stage 4

This section of the river is particularly popular for fly-fishing. The path passes a large wooden seat and grill made from old horseshoes used by the fishermen. Watch out for salmon and trout leaping in the river as the path continues downstream. On the far side of the river the old cemetery at Inverallan can be seen. Pass a small fishing hut.

Stage 5

Continue through a wooden kissing gate as Spey Bridge comes into view. Dating from 1931 this bridge replaced a much older bridge built by General Wade in 1754 which can still be crossed on foot further downstream. Pass a third fishing hut. Don't go under the bridge but climb the tall flight of steps on the right to reach the road. Turn right at the top and follow the pavement, crossing the road entrance to Achnagonalin industrial estate and taking the next right to return to the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Grantown-on-Spey Hotels

Grantown-on-Spey B&B

Grantown-on-Spey cottages

Cairngorms hostels

Glamping and Camping

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