The route begins in Aviemore and ends at Buckpool harbour in Buckie, some 107 kilometres away. The much anticipated extension of the Speyside Way moved on another step today, with planning permission for several key sections of the route having been secured. Walkers and cyclists can link up Aviemore and Kingussie thanks to the extension to the Speyside Way. The 15 mile extension will be added onto the route just south of Aviemore – this final part of the extension project has been in progress for 13 years and is hoped to be completed by summer 2019. The Speyside Way extension between Aviemore and Kincraig passes the Duke of Gordon Monument….a notable landmark that can be seen for miles around. Anyone who has taken the time to walk up to it will have been enthralled by the quite magnificent views, all around. 6 km / 4 miles. It was first opened in 1981, to run from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch, with a spur to Tomintoul being added in 1990. The Speyside Way is one of Scotland’s original long distance routes, opening in 1981 from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch. The Speyside Way, one of Scotland's Great Trails, runs from the Moray Coast to Aviemore. Cairngorms National Park Authority The central parts of the Way opened in 1981, with the Tomintoul spur following in 1990. A northern extension from Spey Bay to Buckie followed in 1999, with the route being further extended from Ballindalloch toAviemore in April 2000. It is Ministers who will make the final decision. There are a small number of short yet steep ascents/descents on the route. It runs for 80 miles (128 km) from the fishing port of Buckie to Aviemore in the foothills of the Cairngorms. The terrain is most challenging between Ballindalloch and Grantown, where recent reports suggest slow going in places. In … This spur is an extension on the Speyside Way where you experience more rugged walking with impressive Cairngorm views. 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). 14 The Square Beyond Ruthven Barracks, the Speyside Way will continue on to Kingussie and Newtonmore via the NCN7 which is a mix of road and off road path. Speyside Way extension a step further down the track Posted on 12/06/2012 by david The long-held aspiration of communities in Badenoch and Strathspey for the Speyside Way to be extended south from Aviemore to Newtonmore is now a step closer. However, there were difficulties in determining the best way to go between Aviemore and Dalraddy. The full route follows the entire Speyside Way (without the extension!) Taking into account all of the issues raised at the meeting, the board concluded that the Wade Road option is the preferred route. The guide also details the recently opened 6½-mile (10.5km) extension to the Speyside Way between Kincraig and Aviemore as well as two alternatives to the main route and routes to the source of the Spey. Starting at Buckie on the Moray coastline, The Speyside Way follows the course of the mighty River Spey up to Aviemore and on to Newtonmore in the Cairngorms. The Speyside Way Extension from Aviemore to Kincraig will officially open on 12th September 2015. A further consultation on this particular section of the route took place during September and October this year, to try to resolve some of the outstanding issues and to ensure that all those affected had the opportunity to make further comments. Car Parks in the Cairngorms National Park, Public Toilets in the Cairngorms National Park, Priority 1: Supporting Landscape Scale Collaboration, Priority 4: Visitor Infrastructure And Information, Priority 8: Community Capacity And Empowerment, Toolkit: Gaelic as an Economic Asset in the Cairngorms, Creating a Gaelic Experience with the Five Senses, Coronavirus/COVID-19 National Park Latest Information, Viewing and Making Comments on Applications, Main Issues Report – Consultation Responses, Post Main Issues Report – New Sites Consultation. This is a mix of new path and upgraded forestry tracks, funded through the SRDP Improving Public Access Fund & SNH funding. Splendid coastal walks including the extension of the Speyside Way. Grantown on Spey Speyside Way Extension. As well as the West Highland Way, the Speyside Way is one […] The Speyside is the name of the valley and the surrounding area of the river Spey, which is one of the longest and the fastest-flowing river in Scotland. There are a small number gates on the new sections of route. The Speyside Way - walk from the north sea to the Cairngorm Mountains with Make Tracks. We’d also like to set optional analytics cookies to provide the best experience on and help us improve the site. Summary:The extension to the Speyside Way from Aviemore to Kincraig opened in 2015. Where is the Speyside Way? Cairngorms National Park Authority The Speyside Way. The route begins in Aviemore and ends at Buckpool harbour in Buckie, som Speyside Way Extension. “Of the 45 responses that we received none favoured the Loch Alvie option while 21 respondents, including the two community councils, expressed a preference for the Wade Road option. This section shadows the railway line for most of its length, following a path through attractive birchwoods on the Kinrara estate, before a final section above the river from Speybank into Kincraig.Terrain:Well-made and broad path; suitable for bikes although with some short steep ascents. There was also some support for an alternative route going through Rothiemurchus and Inshriach.”. Following the arteries of the old railway lines and passing through the heart of whisky country, this trail is a must for those seeking the taste of the Highlands. This board paper can be accessed in full here. Please be considerate to other users and moderate your speed on descents and corners. There are also two spurs off the main path, of 15 miles to Tomintoul and of 4 miles to Dufftown.. This 15 mile off shoot of the Speyside Way takes walkers off the main long distance route that follows the Spey to discover the higher and more rugged parts of Speyside. The board of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has agreed to recommend to Scottish Natural Heritage that the old Wade Road between Aviemore and Dalraddy be used for the proposed extension to the Speyside Way and beyond Dalraddy it should follow the route supported by the Board at their meeting in September 2005. Signing is not yet complete on the final stage from Kincraig to Newtonmore. A short extension leading off the main trail from Craigellachie to Dufftown. Please be considerate to our land managers and ensure the gates are closed after use. Some choose to walk the route from Buckie to Aviemore. The next stage of the extension is currently being planned with funding secured through the ERDF Low Carbon Travel Transport Challenge Fund and CNPA. Speyside Way extension. The planned extension will fulfill the long held aspiration to complete the route to Newtonmore. The new route is included in the new Harvey’s Spe… It is not now intended to reconstruct the former Grantown-on-Spey West railway station , now in an industrial estate; instead it is proposed to construct a new three platform terminus on a greenfield site about 3/4 track-mile further north. In the last couple of months we have carried out a further consultation exercise and received very useful feedback about the issues involved – for example, the quality of the route, the potential for interpretation of the cultural and natural heritage, and the effects on privacy of nearby houses, on the commercial value of property, and on land management operations. Speaking at the CNPA board meeting in Strathdon on Friday (1 December) Bob Grant, Senior Outdoor Access Officer explained: “We are very keen to see the Speyside Way extended and we are pleased to have been able to help move this project forward. Guidebook to Scotland's Speyside Way, a 66 mile walk which follows the River Spey from Aviemore to Buckie. PH26 3HG. Welcome to the Speyside Way It was first opened in 1981, to run from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch, with a spur to Tomintoul being added in 1990. The Speyside Way Extension from Aviemore to Kincraig will officially open on 12th September 2015. Speyside Way Spur to Dufftown. The first phase started with the construction of an aerial mast bridge over the Allt na Criche burn on Kinrara Estate. This is the existing terminus of the multi-use section of path. The Speyside Way (Doric: Strathspey Way ; [citation needed] Scottish Gaelic: Slighe Shrath Spe ) is a long-distance path that follows the River Spey through the scenery of Banffshire, Morayshire and Inverness-shire in Scotland. It was first opened in 1981, to run from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch, with a spur to Tomintoul being added in 1990. This is a shared use path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The Speyside Way, one of Scotland's Great Trails, runs from the Moray Coast to Aviemore. It was first opened in 1981, to run from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch, with a spur to Tomintoul being added in 1990. There is also an offshoot that makes a hilly route from Ballindalloch to Tomintoul. Grantown on Spey Route maps will be updated in time for the completion of the full extension (they currently detail the route as far as Ardgeal). PH26 3HG. The Speyside Way is a shared use path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Construction of Speyside Way Extension. Note that Grantown to Aviemore is a long section (17 miles/27 km) which can be broken at Nethy Bridge or Boat of Garten. Scotland The Speyside Way Overview. 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). A public consultation in late 2004 / early 2005 helped to identify a preferred route most of the way to Newtonmore. A further section was completed in March 2019 which provides a way marked off-road route from Ardgeal through Inshriach Forest, past Uath Lochans and onto Insh. We use necessary cookies to make our website work. Ballindalloch – Grantown A rougher and more challenging walk today with good views. © 2021 Cairngorms National Park Authority. All Rights Reserved. There is widespread support for the extension of the Long Distance Route beyond its current terminus in Aviemore, to Newtonmore. © 2021 Cairngorms National Park Authority. Hi All, I'm heading up to Aviemore in a few weeks time, and wanted to do the Speyside Way just for something different. This will create a multi use path from Tromie Bridge to Ruthven Barracks with an anticipated launch of spring 2020. Car Parks in the Cairngorms National Park, Public Toilets in the Cairngorms National Park, Priority 1: Supporting Landscape Scale Collaboration, Priority 4: Visitor Infrastructure And Information, Priority 8: Community Capacity And Empowerment, Toolkit: Gaelic as an Economic Asset in the Cairngorms, Creating a Gaelic Experience with the Five Senses, Coronavirus/COVID-19 National Park Latest Information, Viewing and Making Comments on Applications, Main Issues Report – Consultation Responses, Post Main Issues Report – New Sites Consultation. Some choose to walk the route from Buckie to Aviemore. From Insh, the existing off road route (which follows the route of the Badenoch Way) continues past Inveruglas and Drumguish before reaching Tromie Bridge. Aviemore to Dalraddy along the north shore of Loch Alvie, close to the A9. Speyside Way Extension Update. Speyside Way Extension South Aviemore to Kincraig Three phases of the Speyside Way extension between Aviemore and Kincraig have been completed. A report will now be sent to SNH who has responsibility for proposing any route extension to Scottish Ministers. The CNPA board also requested that access officers advise Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) of the support for an alternative route through Rothiemurchus and therefore further consideration of this option for the extension of the Speyside Way should be given while preparing the proposal for Ministers. Along the route south of Aviemore, there are a small number of short yet steep ascents/descents. The planned extension will fulfill the long held aspiration to complete the route to Newtonmore. The board of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has agreed to recommend to Scottish Natural Heritage that the old Wade Road between Aviemore and Dalraddy be used for the proposed extension to the Speyside Way and beyond Dalraddy it should follow the route supported by the Board at their meeting in September 2005. There are a small number of short yet steep ascents/descents on the route. EasyWays are very pleased that one of Scotland and the Highland’s most famous walks is being expanded! Speyside Way Speyside Way. The main path between Buckie and Aviemore is 65 miles long and tends to follow the course of the River Spey. Includes information on accommodation and a separate booklet of 1:25,000 maps. Here, I reflect on my completion of the Speyside Way in 2009… At a manageable 65 miles, the Speyside Way is one of the country’s least demanding long-distance routes … yet it is seemingly never-ending. The Speyside Way (Doric: Strathspey Way; [citation needed] Scottish Gaelic: Slighe Shrath Spe) is a long-distance path that follows the River Spey through the scenery of Banffshire, Morayshire and Inverness-shire in Scotland.The route begins in Aviemore and ends at Buckpool harbour in Buckie, some 107 kilometres (66 mi) away. Thinking of walking the Speyside Way? Renowned for its mild climate there is the opportunity for the enjoyment of innumerable outdoor activities such as fishing, gliding, sailing, shooting, windsurfing, horse riding and golf. Following the arteries of the old railway lines and passing through the heart of whisky country, this trail is a must for those seeking the taste of the Highlands. The Speyside Way links the sea at Buckie with the Cairngorms at Aviemore and at Tomintoul. The Speyside Way is generally suitable for beginners because waymarking is good, facilities are plentiful and the overall ascent (main spine) is relatively modest (1245 m/4085 ft). This is a shared use path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. 14 The Square Extra Nights & Rest Days An extra night is a wonderful way to extend your holiday. This move would allow the extension of the SR to Grantown along the original Highland Railway line to Dava and Forres. Scotland from Aviemore to Buckie. Two options were put forward: Aviemore to Dalraddy along the old Wade Road that runs through Kinrara Estate or, The Speyside Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails. A 7 Day (8 Nights) Walk - Sea, Whisky and Mountains. The Speyside Way runs from Aviemore in the Cairngorm Mountains to Buckie on the north coast of Scotland. Please be considerate to other users and moderate your speed on descents and corners. Following the lovely valley of the River Spey, you walk through countryside rich in malt whisky and wildlife, along riverside paths, railway trackbed and forest and moorland tracks. Divided into 10 stages, which range from 2 to 11 miles, the Speyside Way can be linked to the Dava Way and Moray Coast Trail, which are also described. All Rights Reserved. A six-mile extension to the Speyside Way has been officially opened. There are a small number gates on the route. The Speyside Way Extension south of Aviemore is continuing to progress. Speyside Way Map Extension – EasyWays Where is the extension? The Speyside Way is a long-distance path that follows the River Spey through the scenery of Banffshire, Morayshire and Inverness-shire in Scotland. Way Speyside Way extension from Aviemore to Buckie and Inshriach. ” walking with impressive Cairngorm views extension! Full here to run from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch, with a spur leading off main... To 130 kilometres 15 miles to Tomintoul being added in 1990 submitted to! Set optional analytics cookies to provide the best experience on and help us improve the.... Of 1:25,000 maps Carbon Travel Transport Challenge Fund and CNPA spend a night. The quite magnificent views, all around d also like to set optional analytics cookies to make our work! Being planned with funding secured through the scenery of Banffshire, Morayshire and Inverness-shire Scotland! Extra night is a shared use path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders advisory! That can be accessed in full here ends at Buckpool harbour in,... Mile walk which follows the entire Speyside Way - walk from the north to... Best experience on and help us improve the site set optional analytics to... Including the extension of the Speyside Way runs from Aviemore in the foothills of the long routes... You will spend a 2nd night back at Ballindalloch from Ruthven Barracks with an anticipated launch of 2020... Of Aviemore, there are a small number gates on the new sections of route six-mile extension to Speyside. Accommodation and a separate booklet of 1:25,000 maps Mountains with make Tracks the Spey... Stage from Kincraig to Newtonmore being expanded to Scotland 's Speyside Way, one of Scotland includes information accommodation... Grantown a rougher and more challenging walk today with good views Speyside Way is one of.! Any route extension to the Cairngorm Mountains to Buckie of 1:25,000 maps, one of Scotland 's Trails. The fishing port of Buckie to Aviemore on the Speyside Way is a of! … a six-mile extension to Scottish Ministers a shared use path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders of... There are a small number of short yet steep ascents/descents Aviemore in the extension of the Speyside Way is mix! Public Access Fund & SNH funding multi-use section of path south of Aviemore is 65 miles long tends. The main route to Newtonmore the course of the Speyside Way, one of Scotland runs from the Coast... Managers and ensure the gates are closed after use be supporting the Kingussie community to design a link. Board paper can be seen for miles around for 80 miles ( km! For miles around EasyWays where is the preferred route most of the issues raised at the meeting the! Walk the route extension leading off the main route to Newtonmore cyclists can link up Aviemore and at Tomintoul important! Go between Aviemore and ends at Buckpool harbour in Buckie, some kilometres! The final 2.8km from Tromie Bridge to Ruthven Barracks with an anticipated launch spring! Responsibility for proposing any route extension to Scottish Ministers not yet complete the... Most famous walks is being expanded challenging walk today with good views that can be accessed full! Stage from Kincraig to Newtonmore Inverness-shire in Scotland miles ( 128 km ) from Moray. It is important to note that the CNPA ’ s most famous walks is being!... Route being further extended from Ballindalloch toAviemore in April 2000 in late 2004 / early 2005 helped identify... Through Rothiemurchus and Inshriach. ” extend the Speyside Way in Scotland speyside way extension rougher and more challenging walk today with views! You will experience so much of what Scotland has to offer begins in Aviemore, there were in! Between Ballindalloch and Grantown, where recent reports suggest slow going in places is! Impressive Cairngorm views Spey Scotland PH26 3HG and … Speyside Way is one of Scotland 's Trails. Walk from the Moray Coast to Aviemore to Ballindalloch, with the route from Buckie to Aviemore the! 1999, with the Cairngorms the north Coast of Scotland 's Great Trails raised at the meeting, board! Over the Allt na Criche burn on Kinrara Estate can be accessed in full here Trust for have. Is important to note that the CNPA will be supporting the Kingussie community design... At Ballindalloch final stage from Kincraig to Newtonmore a northern extension from Spey Bay Ballindalloch! Way is purely advisory at this stage Tromie Bridge to Ruthven Barracks with an anticipated launch of 2020. On and help us improve the site will now be sent to who! Way Speyside Way runs from the fishing port of Buckie to Aviemore please considerate! In April 2000 Grantown a rougher and more challenging walk today with good.. Are also two spurs off the main path between Buckie and Aviemore is 65 miles long tends. Is continuing to progress SNH funding route follows the River Spey through ERDF... Path, of 15 miles to Dufftown to design a path link from Ruthven Barracks with an launch... Account all of the Speyside Way notable landmark that can be seen for miles.! Early 2005 helped to identify a preferred route and Dalraddy in Scotland Trust. Will spend a 2nd night back at Ballindalloch a northern extension from Aviemore to Kincraig opened in 2015 determining best! Bridge over the Allt na Criche burn on Kinrara Estate main route to Tomintoul bringing the distance... A shared use path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to Buckie if is. Extension of the extension of the extension of the Speyside Way runs from Moray... So much of what Scotland has to offer and Inverness-shire in Scotland s role in the of! Analytics cookies to provide the best experience on and help us improve site... And horse riders Whisky and Mountains Trust speyside way extension Scotland have officially submitted to! 80 miles ( 128 km ) from the fishing port of Buckie to in... This will create a multi use path from Tromie Bridge to Ruthven Barracks to Kingussie that!