Wildcat Trail, Newtonmore

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Summary

The Wildcat Trail is an orbital route around Newtonmore taking in the banks of the River Spey, open heather moorland, wooded glens and burbling burns. The route can either be walked as a whole or in sections, as there are various paths linking the Trail to different start points in Newtonmore. Strathspey is one of the last strongholds of the Scottish wildcat, a species in severe danger of extinction. In recent years a captive breeding program at the nearby Highland Wildlife Park has led to releasing of more wildcat to help the population recover.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

A waymarked trail over varied terrain including some short steep sections, but all on clear paths. Some sections can be muddy, and there can be flooding by the Spey in winter.

Public Transport

Newtonmore is served by buses and trains.

Start

Newtonmore train station. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.25km / 6.25 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 110m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN716984

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (3)

WARNING

Part of the path above the River Calder (end of Stage 3, start of Stage 4) is currently closed after being washed out by recent storms. It is possible to divert through the field away from the river.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

There is limited parking near the railway station at Newtonmore, though you might also wish to call at the Wildcat centre on the High Street first, where you can buy an illustrated booklet of the route. From the railway station begin by walking back along Station Road briefly, passing a row of railway cottages. Turn left along the side wall of the last cottage and then left again, before you reach the memorial park, to stay on the track which turns towards the railway line. Take care crossing the level crossing and follow the Wildcat Trail signs to a fenced path that continues down a field to reach the River Spey. At the river turn right, passing through a gate and following the Spey upsteam.

Stage 2

Soon the path passes through a gate to head under the railway bridge, and later, after another gate, a road bridge. There are good views of the Creag Dubh climbing crag ahead. The route is now following the River Calder. Pass through another gate and keep left by the riverside, ignoring stiles off right. Eventually the path climbs up to cross the A86 road at Calder Bridge.

Stage 3

Take the track opposite - noting the lovely sign - and then immediately go left - through a gate, rejoining the River Calder once more. A good path now leads upstream by the riverbank, though it can be muddy at times. Banchor Cemetery - seen on the right - was the site of an early Christian sect dedicated to St Bride. Pass through a small gate and climb steeply, with good views. At a path junction turn left to follow a path that cuts across the steep banks high above the River Calder - a beautiful stretch with several small waterfalls.

Stage 4

Keep following the waymarks as the path eventually heads away from the river, climbing diagonally There are a couple of benches with good views up Glen Banchor. The obvious curve of the river here explains how the upper glen got its name - Banchor means horn-shaped river. When a tarmac road is reached turn right. Ignore two paths off left towards Milton Wood, continuing along the tarmac and crossing a cattle-grid. After a house on the right take the next left on a track with a wildcat logo.

Stage 5

Ignore houses off either side and stay on the track that aims for a pedestrian gate and to the left edge of the woods. Ahead there are good views of the surrounding hills. Pass through birch woods and keep following the marker posts several of pedestrian gates, ignoring several paths off to the right (signed for viewpoint, Newtonmore, and hut circle). The route generally keeps close to the left edge of the birchwoods; the open moorland over to the left which is breeding ground for red grouse, curlews and peewits. There is also the chance of seeing buzzards, deer and mountain hares.

Stage 6

The trail crosses a number of corridors with gates on either side which have been left between sections of new plantings to allow crofters to move livestock between the upper and lower grazings. At the end of the birchwoods open ground is reached through a gate. Turn right on the track, which soon joins another track coming in from your left. Continue ahead through a gate to reach a minor road. Bear left along the road (Strone Road), following it as it bends right and then eventually reaches the main A86 in Newtonmore.

Stage 7

Turn left along the main road, looking out for a track leading off on the opposite side between houses, signed for the Wildcat Trail. The trail passes between two sections of the excellent Highland Folk Museum - a visit to which is free and highly recommended (the photo shows a reconstructed village within the museum). Continue straight ahead and over the railway bridge. After the bridge ignore the gate on the left following the path between the fence and a burn.

Stage 8

Cross a small footbridge and follow the path, keeping the golf course on your right and later the River Spey on the left. The route is close to the river at some points and crosses two more footbridges; this area is prone to flooding after heavy winter rains. This area is home to herons, wagtails, sandpipers, dippers, mergansers and goosander. It is also known for its native orchids which flower between late May and June. Continue along the river until the fence which marks the end of the golf course. When the outward route is reached turn right (signed for Newtonmore) to head back to the station.

Route Profile

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