A delightful walk to a fine viewpoint over Strathspey - Tor Alvie. This beautiful wooded ridge high above the Spey and Kinara House. Pass the Waterloo Cairn before reaching the Duke of Gordon's monument, a great landmark with a wondeful outlook. One of the best short walks in the area.
Rough landrover track.
None to start.
Car park at entrance to Dalraddy caravan and campsite.
Start from the parking area at the entrance to Dalraddy Holiday Park, just off the B9152 south of Alvie. From the back of the car park go through the gate (footpath sign), but ignore the footpath turning right and instead continue ahead on the track, soon heading under the railway line then turning left along the Speyside Way. When this reaches a minor (private) road, turn right along the road.
After 400m, as the road bends right a second time, fork left on a track which climbs through the trees. Head through old pines, juniper and birch trees and follow the track through a gate to the edge of a field. Bear left to follow the fenceline on a now grassy track. Keep to the right of the fence, ignoring first a gate and then a stile, keeping on the grassy track as it climbs to eventually reach a metal gate at the very top of the field, where a track heads into the woods. There are great views back over Strathspey looking back.
Follow the track, bearing left at a fork. The route continues through the woods which has a very unspoilt feel, although it was once set out as much more formal parkland attached to Kinrara House, the former summer home of Jane, Duchess of Gordon. Keep climbing on the track which follows the top of the bumpy ridge which has fine views and wonderful old pine trees.
Look out for a small path on the right which leads to the Waterloo Cairn, which is easily missed but just visible from the main track as a pile of stones. The Cairn is a great viewpoint, it was erected by Marquis of Huntly, in 1815 in memory of the officers and soldiers of the Gordon Highlanders and the Royal Regiment who fell at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815. Return to the main track and bear right to continue along the ridge.
At the far end of the undulating track, the massive pillar of the Duke of Gordon monument is reached. This commands a view to north Strathspey and is visible from miles around. The tall monument commemorates the last Duke of Gordon who died in 1836.
From the pillar the best return route is to retrace your steps along the ridge and descend by the outward route. There are different views to enjoy. Keep right after the gate into the field to follow the fence round to the start of the track on the right which leads down to the entrance road. Turn right at the road to return to the start.
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