Tomintoul Spur: Cragganmore to Tomintoul

Summary

Branch off from the low-level Speyside Way for this more dramatic spur route leading up and over moorland to the high village of Tomintoul. The Glenlivet Distillery a handy stopping point half way along this more challenging spur route.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Minor roads, moorland paths and tracks, some parts improved, others can be wet or rough.

Public Transport

Buses to Ballindalloch near the start. No direct bus to return from Tomintoul (weekly bus to Grantown on Spey).

Start

Cragganmore. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 25km / 15.5 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 865m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NJ167366

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Accommodation

Moray hostels

Cairngorms hostels

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

If joining the Spur from the main Speyside Way, start from Ballindalloch Station at Cragganmore, found at the end of the B9137 just north of the A95 between Cromdale and Aberlour. If using a car it is possible to avoid the initial 4km of road walking by driving to the car park at Auldich and start from there. From the picnic area at Cragganmore, turn left onto the B9137 and head uphill along it, passing the entrance to Balnellan on the left. At the A95, carefully cross the main road and turn left to follow a path on the verge on the far side. There are views to the Ballindalloch Distillery. Continue to the Bridge of Avon. The old stone bridge can be seen as you cross the modern road bridge. Just beyond is a shop and post office at the garage.

Stage 2

On the far side and take the road (B9008) on the right signed for Tomintoul. Follow this until after a bend, then taking a minor road signed for Auldich on the left. The road climbs steadily uphill to reach a small parking area and sign board on the right at the end of the public road. Continue ahead, rising good views back over the glen; the road has become a moorland track. After a short distance the track forks, take the right hand branch which is marked with the Speyside Way symbol. This climbs over heather moorland, skirting below the top of Cairnacay.

Stage 3

Further on the route splits again at a marker post, turn righ again here - theading for some sparse pine trees. Keep just right of the fence as it leads across open moorland, following the waymarkers. Further on the route bends right, alongside another fence, and can become a little rough and boggy. Ignore several stiles over the fence, but eventually turn left by a marker post to head through a kissing gate. The route now follows a fence on your right side, passing over the Hill of Deskie, The large Glenlivet Distillery becomes visible on the hillside opposite; continue downhill by the fence. When it reaches an area of gorse and a fence across the hillside, go through a pedestrian gate and then turn left along a narrow path between fields. At the next corner turn right, then left to skirt round the back of a house and reach a lane. Turn left and then right at Deskie to follow the lane steeply downhill soon reaching Glenlivet Public Hall.

Stage 4

At the hall turn left along the road to cross the bridge. The Speyside Way continues to the right, running parallel to the road. A marker indicates where to turn right, following a track down to a suspension footbridge over the River Livet. Cross this and follow the track uphill beyond. At a t-junction with a road, turn left. Pass the Glenlivet Distillery where it is possible to take a free tour and sample a dram. Continue straight ahead up the road, passing Josie's Well on the left with a view down over the ruins of Blairfindy Castle.

Stage 5

At the corner, turn right to pass Glenlivet House. Opposite a conifer plantation turn left to a small car park and information board. Take the marked track, climbing with a good view back of Ben Rinnes. When the track goes through a gateway keep right through a pedestrian gate and keep climbing on a constructed alongside the trees. At the next gate there is an information board about Blairfindy Moor; pass through and continue on the clear path.

Stage 6

This section has a real moorland feel, as acres of rolling heather can be seen in all directions with the Cairngorm mountains visible in the far distance. The route dog-legs to the right, then left alongside the forestry. Keep straight on at a signed junction and climb to the summit of Càrn Daimh which has great all round views of the whole Glenlivet area. Tomnavoulin can be seen to the east. Continue down the stony track signed for Tomintoul.

Stage 7

Go through the gate into the forestry and follow the track which can muddy. At a t-junction turn right, signed for Tomintoul. When the track emerges from the forest keep following it across heathery ground, slowly descending. After a gate an improved section of path leads down to cross the Chabet Water. Keep straight ahead up a few steps and then follow a fence by a new plantation. At a fence corner turn right and then head left for a pedestrian gate that leads onto a green lane between fences. Further on turn right through a pedestrian gate to continue between fences, eventually descending to a minor road.

Stage 8

Turn left along the road for a short distance, looking out for the signed route which leave the road at a corner with a view over the river to Tomintoul beyond. Head down the steep field and cross the footbridge and climb the steps on the far side turning left at the top to soon pick up a track. Stay on the track until the Campdalmore parking area is reached. Turn left to follow a path through the woods signed for the village and at the end of this bear right onto the main road where you turn left to follow the road through the main street of Tomintoul where there are shops, Youth Hostel, B&B, hotels, camping area, toilets and tourist information (seasonal). To return to the Speyside Way you can either return back along the Tomintoul Spur to Cragganmore, arrange a lift or taxi, or follow the old hill route to Dorback Lodge from where minor roads can be taken to Nethybridge, note that this latter option requires good navigation.

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