The Speyside Way is a long-distance footpath that follows the River Spey through some of Morayshire's most beautiful scenery.
The Speyside Way is one of four official Long Distance Routes in Scotland (the others are the West Highland Way, the Southern Upland Way and the Great Glen Way). It was first opened in 1981, to run from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch, with a spur to Tomintoul being added in 1990. A northern extension from Spey Bay to Buckie followed in 1999, with the route finally being completed between Ballindalloch and Aviemore in April 2000. The route now links the Moray coast with the edge of the Grampian Mountains, generally following the valley of the River Spey. The Speyside Way is managed by the Moray Council on behalf of the Access Authorities responsible - Moray Council, Cairngorms National Park? and the Highland Council. The Cairngorms National Park funds management and maintenance of the route within the Park boundaries and the rest of the route is substantially funded by Scottish Natural Heritage. The Speyside Way Ranger Service, based in Aberlour, covers all of the route.
The Speyside Way is primarily intended as a walking route, and 5 - 7 days should be allowed for your trip (more if you intend visiting the many distilleries and other attractions along the wayside!) We recommend that you start at the north end, where the going is easiest, and make your way south towards the hills.
Though all of the Speyside Way is classed as easy walking, and is well waymarked throughout, it is important to remember that the weather in Scotland is very unpredictable, and that on a bad day (even in summer) conditions on the higher sections may be hostile. Good footwear, effective waterproofs and good planning are necessary.
The Speyside Way between Fochabers and Ballindalloch and between Nethybridge and Aviemore is suitable for cycling. And the Speyside Way between Craigellachie and Ballindalloch (ie the old railway line) is suitable for horseriding. Riders must be prepared to negotiate fords in two places, and a number of low, single rail stiles. Have a look at the official site for advice.
For further extensive information and maps see the Offical Speyside Way Website
The Route
Leaving Buckie (Buckpool harbour) the route follows the shore to Portgordon, then by old railway and forest path to Spey Bay, at the mouth of the river. The route then passes the Tugnet Ice House? and from there to Fochabers (5m/8km) follows riverside tracks. From Fochabers to Boat o' Brig (5m/8km) walking is on a very minor tarred road. Boat o' Brig to Craigellachie (8m/13km) too has some tarred road (at the Craigellachie end of the section), but most of this stage is over forest roads as it climbs round the shoulder of Ben Aigen through the Craigellachie Forest. At Craigellachie, the trackbed of the former Strathspey Railway is joined, and you have the choice of turning SE towards Dufftown at the end of the 'spur' which runs up the valley of the Fiddich, or continuing south on the old railway through Aberlour and Carron towards Blacksboat and Ballindalloch. From Ballindalloch, don't miss out on the opportunity to tackle the 15m/24km spur to Tomintoul, a route which rises twice to 1800ft/550m, giving superb views over the hills and farmland of upper Moray and into the heart of the Cairngorms. It is possible, however, to break this part of your journey at Glenlivet (7m/11km from Ballindalloch). If you choose your accommodation carefully in Tomintoul, it should be possible to get a lift back to Ballindalloch to continue your journey next day. From here, a further short section on old railway is followed by a rougher stretch through the Tulchan Estate and Tominuird Wood - strong and waterproof footwear is essential!
The railway is rejoined at Pollowick, and followed into Cromdale, where the Spey is recrossed via the road bridge, and from where forest tracks take you into Grantown-on-Spey. An old military road takes you back to the Spey again, and a crossing via a lovely old bridge, now retired from the stresses of modern traffic. After crossing the A95 again, it's back to old railway to Nethy Bridge, then through the RSPB's Abernethy reserve towards Boat of Garten. From Boat of Garten to Aviemore, you will have the Strathspey Steam Railway for company as you traverse birch woodland, heather moor and pine wood. The Way then enters Aviemore along the village's 'Orbital Footpath', and finishes at the car park by the Police Station.