Speyside Way Buckie to Fochabers

Walk: Speyside Way Buckie - Fochabers
Long distance trail
Height: n/a
An interesting day which definitely comes into the category of a walk of two halves, the first being by far the most scenic and interesting.
I had never visited Buckie before so another tick in my places of Scotland. We had scenic drive through the Moray Whisky countryside before arriving at a very blustery Buckie.
A great traditional bakers near the square armed us with freshly made rolls and local fudge and off we went.

Walk goes right here at Yardie

From the sea front you immediately realise this is a unique place with the old fishermen’s cottages, the area is called Yardie.

Drying areas

The drying greens between them and the water, some with clothes twisting and turning trying to get off those pegs, good drying weather at least.
There is a long section of housing on one side and the wild seas on the other. This area was the original fishing village of Buckpool. The houses are looking tired and the inland view is a bit run down. Most of the houses look unoccupied, holiday homes most likely.

Portgordon barometer

You continue through the area of Buckpool before reaching the small harbour of Portgordon built by the Duke of Gordon some small craft in the water. In 1859 a barometer was installed for the fishermen, this is a replica. Sadly a few days after our visit a man was rescued from the water but died.
The walk is still a mixture of grassy beachside and road walking.
We turned a corner and there was a travellers campsite on the path directly ahead, dogs barking and straining on their leashes, thankfully tied up but still we head onto the road.

Waves show how windy it was

We get good views of a dozen or so large grey seals hauled up on the shingle. We are spotted by some and stay our distance to not disturb them.

Old railway line

Finally, about 3 miles into the walk the housing has ended but the walk also leaves the shore heading inland on the old railway line. A straight line to the trees before it twists and turns and enters a wooded section for a few miles.
Glimpses of the golf course through the trees, it looks in good condition, need to play it sometime.

Spey bay estuary

Finally some country roads and we head to Spey bay for the impressive ice-house where the ice was stored for packing locally caught salmon years ago. This road also take us to the Dolphin centre at Spey Bay, none in sight but I do get my first sighting of the mighty river Spey which accompanies this trail. 

Not many salmon around now for the Osprey

Lunch round the back out of the wind before admiring the Osprey sculpture.
Now part two of which not a lot to be said as almost all of it is a woodland/forest tramp of about 5 miles with minimal views unless you like looking at trees.

Finally get a brief glimpse of the Spey

At times you can hear the Spey but to see it you need to clamber up the embankments.
Initially the farmer baling his grass was an interesting accompaniment, amazing machines and the birds were around singing like it was spring, the weather was good enough. But when I entered the trees proper it was silence. 

Sole angler

A walk is never bad but this tramp was becoming a touch dull until the Spey is met again albeit briefly, only one angler spotted. Had its company for around half mile or so before woodland again until this walk ended at Fochabers.
I was glad to get to the Baxters visitor centre for coffee and cake.
Glad I walked it but cannot see me repeating it.

Wildlife: Kestrel; Buzzard; Roe Deer; Goldfinch; Black backed gull; Herring Gull; Cormorant:; Stonechat; Curlew; Wren; Wood pigeon; Redshank; Grey Seal; Yellowhammer.

Time: 3.29
Ascent: 272ft 
Distance: 10.7m