Speyside Way Aviemore - Grantown

You will notice that I have incorporated 3 stages of the Speyside Way into this blog posting. I actually walked the Aviemore - Boat of Garten on one trip and the other two another day but all 3 can fit into a reasonably fit persons walking day or split them into 3 whatever you want.

View over golf course to Lairig Gruh

Starting at the railway station cross over the railway bridge, stop and admire the view south and of the station itself, and take the back road to Dalfaber (follow the cycle path signs if required). At the next road crossing head towards the golf course and that is you. The towns orbital path can be used as well to get to the golf course.

Watch out for bikers

The initial stages meanders past the golf course and through a natural wood to explore if you wish. The path to B of G is a busy MTB cycle route so take care they can be on you before you realise.
The terrain opens out with good views of the Cairngorms and the steam train might pass close by. Follow the good path until you reach a fork, the right hand takes you straight into B of G, the left is woodland trails used by the bikers eventually bringing you to B of G if you take the correct turns. I took the woodland trail, it added about a couple of miles but no views to interest me.
When you break out of the forest there is about half a mile of new and old, mostly very large, houses to admire if you win the lottery.

At B of G there is a cafe, shop and hotel if you want to get refreshments or even the bus or train back to Aviemore. 
If not turn left and follow the main road following the signs to the RSPB Osprey centre. Cross the River Spey, pause and look for salmon if it is the season, then there is a short stretch of road walking before entering woodland again and then into the forest proper at the T junction.

Typical track

The next couple of miles through the forest is a bit boring but plod on. If the right time of year you might want to take a slight detour to the RSPB Osprey centre, but for us they had already flown the nest back to Africa. Look up the tops for Scottish crossbills.
When I broke out of the forest the track had one of these frustrating signs pointing in a half direction. The track looked most used so I went left but of course I should have gone straight on upwards following the tree line. I had my doubts but I had walked another couple of miles before I was sure an error had been made. This mistake either meant a road section for a couple of miles or a similar about turn distance. I was under time pressure to meet someone in Grantown so just walked on via the road.

Bob Dylan where are you?

Nethy bridge is a typical highland hamlet, a mix of very old and new property. I had picked up a Speyside Way sign but there were no more to be seen going through through the village and to this day do not know where the route went. I knew I should now be walking the old railway line. I walked in the right direction going past the golf course and realised I should be somewhere down to my left hand side. Incidentally, I was told that Bob Dylan purchased a house somewhere near this golf course but no sight or even sound of him today. The detour did have its good points as I saw the golf course, look out for the short par 3 that is played across the Tomintoul road, quite unique in my golfing experience. Also I came across the beautiful Abernethy Old Kirk and its war memorial graveyard, very historic and interesting to spend some time here. 

I considered diverting across a couple of fields but too many cattle in them so no go. About a mile further on I spotted an opportunity and followed a farm track downwards which thankfully led me onto the Way again, very happy to be back on track. There are signs promoting the good work of the local farm in assisting wildlife to flourish, good on you.

Old Railway section

This section is straight forward flat walking along the old railway line, going through farm land but no animal blockages. Through some woods a huge brown and sandy coloured buzzard suddenly and silently takes flight moving away from me. Then the River Spey appears into view with 3 salmon anglers trying their luck or should I say skill.

Buzzard appeared here

This stretch is a bit more interesting with interchanging wood and open views. 
Finally I cross the mighty Spey and take the woodland walk to Grantown.
Overall an easy and interesting walk. Total mileage for the 3 sections was around 17 miles, 6 for the Aviemore - B of G, then 11 for the B of G - Grantown on Spey.

Salmon Angler on the Spey

River Spey