Speyside Way

Route Map

In 2006 I walked a very long and hot 26 miles from Buckie to Dufftown via Craigallachie.  This was very varied walking - with the sea, rivers, mountain paths and forest tracks, as well as long tarmac sections on quiet narrow roads.  I have just had another marathon shuffling session, in April 2007.  I have now completed the main route, having walked on from Craigallachie to Grantown-On-Spey, then next day on to Aviemore.  (Just) Tomintoul spur left and the impending extension to Newtonmore, which will add another 15 miles or so to the main route.  I will go back and do these together when finalised, although for Tomintoul I will need a damm light pack as it is up and down a lot.

Buckie To Dufftown

9 June 2006

Official start - Buckpool Harbour

Spey Bay

Near Spey Bay

Above Boat O'Brig

Danger on the Dufftown Spur.  This former railway seems to be falling into the river.

Dufftown

Craigallachie to Grantown-On-Spey

April 25 2007 - 23 Miles

1st day from Craigallachie to Grantown-On-Spey extremely hard - you spend many miles on old trackbed, then are diverted off into forests and some strenuous climbing.  The terrain is also rocky in places and by the end of day I was aching big time stylee.

Tunnel near Craigallachie - the only one on the line

Grim remains of lineside hut

Tamdhu station, near Knockando

Seems extremely over engineered now with no trains, even for my weight!

Ballindalloch Hostel in the old station.  This is also where the Tomintoul spur starts.  Still to be tackled.

Ballast bed still exists here - shortly before diverted off trackbed onto tough bit of walk.

Stepping stones and the start of the tough bit

Cromdale Station - beautifully preserved - but no track!

Grantown-On-Spey to Aviemore

26th April 2007 - 17 miles.  A much easier day, the off trackbed sections were almost level, wonderful weather and a ride on the Strathspey Railway at lunchtime.

Nethy Bridge

Forest walking after Nethy Bridge

Crossing Spey at Boat Of Garten.  Aviemore in far distance

Gate near Boat-Of-Garten

The last four miles to Aviemore are on a combined walking/cycling track - very good surface and runs near the Strathspey Railway - so some good photo opportunities arose.

Well that's it for now - until the Newtonmore extension!