Walking the Speyside Way

 Mostly an easy and well signposted walk, the Speyside Way passes through some of Scotland’s most varied and beautiful scenery. Following the river Spey a beautiful salmon river and famous also for its many whisky distilleries First opened in 1981, it is one of Scotland’s four official long distance walks extending in its original form from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch but since extended to start in the fishing port of Buckie on the north coast and end in the Cairngorm Mountains at Aviemore. It is 65ml(105km) long.
Why not stay at our bed and breakfast and sample this splendid walk. We offer transport to the start of a stage and collection at the end returning to our bed and breakfast. After a hearty breakfast we transport you to the next stage and so on. You can choose between two and five days walking. Sections vary between 16 km and 27km ( 10 to 17 miles ) The whole path takes 5 days.

The rates are as follows. All charges based on a minimum of two people.

2 days walking with one nights accommodation. £50.00 p.p.
3 days walking with two nights accommodation . £75.00 p.p.
4 days walking with three nights accommodation . £100.00 p.p.
5 days walking with four nights accommodation . £125.00 p.p.

Enjoy a evening meal with us for £10.00 p.p. and tell us about your day.  Alternatively we will be happy to drive you into Forres for your meal  and collect you also. Packed lunches for the following day can be ordered at £5.00 p.p.

The route is easy to follow but we also provide a map and guide book. Wet weather gear ( just in case ) and boots are required.

Stage 1.   Buckie to Fochabers. 10 miles ( 16 km ) Time about 5 hours

A delightful easy first day. Follow the coast for a few miles to Spey Bay. See dolphins, seals,salmon and seabirds. Then turn inland along the Spey and through pleasant woods and countryside to Fochabers.

Plenty of time to stop at Spey Bay wildlife centre, lunches available

Stage 2. Fochabers to Craigellachie. 13 miles (21 km ) Time. About 6 hours. No facilities on route. 

A more demanding day climbing to the flanks of Ben Aigan through woods and forest to give super views to the river Spey and the coast beyond before decending to Craigellachie. Pick up point. The Highlander Inn.

Stage 3. Craigellachie to Ballindalloch ( Cragganmore ) 12 Miles ( 20 km )  Time 5 to 6 hours.

Take time to stop in Aberlour where there is a good choice of shops and places to eat. Visit the Speyside way visitor centre. After Aberlour it is easy walking along the grassy old railway track until you cross the river at Carron. There are no facilities here but there is a nice floral display in old whisky barrels. Continue past old stations and some distilleries to Cragganmore. After crossing the river to Cragganmore you see a sign to Tomintoul take this for a few yards where you will see the Ballindalloch Hostel on the right. To the left is a thoughtfully placed picnic table. Wait here for pick up. There is no mobile phone reception.

Stage 4. Ballindalloch ( Cragganmore ) to Grantown on Spey. 13miles ( 21km ) 7 hours maybe more.

The most demanding day. Mixed terrain. Along the old track for a short while and then climbing to 1000 feet ( 300m ) in the Woods of Knochfrink with moorland and forest walking before decending to Cromdale where you might like refreshment at the Haugh Hotel. Crossing the Spey enter the ancient Anagach Wood before emerging at Grantown on Spey. Pick up at the south end of The Square.

Stage 5. Grantown to Aviemore. 17 miles ( 27km ) 8 hours.

Easy walking with tempting stops at Nethy Bridge after 6 miles and Boat of Garten after another 5 miles. Then 6 miles more mostly along easy tracks or take the Strathspey Steam Railway from Boat of Garten if you have lingered too long in the Boat hotel. Arrive Aviemore. Pick up point. The Mambo bar near the station where you can celebrate the successful completion of the walk.