This circular walk follows the banks of the beautiful River Spey downstream from Aviemore, before returning on the Speyside Way. There are great views to the distant Cairngorms.
Mostly good paths and tracks; narrower across rougher grassland on one section.
Bus or train to Aviemore centre, just over 1km from start.
Dalfaber Industrial Estate, Aviemore.
The walk begins from Dalfaber industrial estate in Aviemore; after crossing the bridge over the railway line turn left. There is parking at the roadside here, please do so considerately. There's also a cafe - Route 7 - in the Highland Home Centre. Begin the walk from the road end, soon meeting the Speyside Way path in the woods - turn right along this. The path crosses a burn, and passes through a culvert under the steam railway line, following the Speyside Way signs to head slightly uphill. When a broad path is met at a t-junction, turn right (signed 'Aviemore Orbital').
The path soon meets a cycle track - go straight across this, onto a path that soon reaches the banks of the River Spey and curves left to head downstream. For the next few kilometres the route follows this beautiful river, with views of the distant northern Corries of the Cairngorms. When the route meets a golf course track turn right along it, and keep right again at a fork to come closer to the river once more. After leaving the golf course behind, the grassy track curves left away from the river - leave it here by turning right onto a path that crosses a stile and keeps right by the river.
When the fence turns left away from the river, and the white house at Pityoulish is seen on the far bank, it's best to bear left on a narrow path that cuts across the rough grassland rather than heading right round the meander, although in high summer the path can be overgrown and then the riverbank may be easier to follow. The river is soon rejoined, and the path joins a track once more. Follow this for a couple of kilometres. Just after passing a fishing hut, turn left at a track junction to head past Kinchurdy Farm. Pass through the farmyard, following the track and passing Kinchurdy Cottages. After another kilometre the route meets the Speyside Way.
From here the route follows the Speyside Way back to the start, so turn left along it. The route crosses an area of heathery heathland with young regenerating pine trees. There are good views to the Cairngorms to the left and as the route runs parallel to the railway line you should be treated to the sight and smell of the steam train during summer months, although in places it runs in a low cutting and can pass almost out of sight.
Keep on the main path where it bends left and a narrower path continues ahead. Cross the rest of the heathery ground to pass the edge of a golf course with a lovely mountain backdrop. Eventually the route rejoins the outward route near the start - turn right here, staying on the Speyside Way to pass under the railway once more, and then turn left to head back into the industrial estate at the start.
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