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The Speyside Way Craigellachie

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Boat o' Fiddich
Craigellachie
Grampian
t: +44 (0) 1340 881266
f: +44 (0) 1340 881266
c: The Speyside Way Ranger Service
w: Website

The Speyside Way is primarily intended, as a walking route and three to four days should be allowed for your trip (more if you intend visiting the many distilleries 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. Leaving Buckie (Buckpool harbour) the route follows the shore to Portgordon then by old railway and forest path to Speybay at the mouth of the river.

At Craigellachie, the track bed 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. For the moment, your only option from here is to tackle the 15m/24km section 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) .
From here, a further short section on old railway is followed by a rougher stretch through the Tulchan Estate - 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'.

Cycling on the Speyside Way
Currently, bicycles are allowed to use the Speyside Way between Fochabers and Ballindalloch, and between Craigellachie and Dufftown. Bicycles are NOT allowed to use the off road sections between Ballindalloch and Tomintoul. Between Fochabers and Spey Bay, please cycle on the public road (B9104). Cyclists are asked to ensure that they use the route in a way which does not cause damage to the track surface, or cause inconvenience or danger to users on foot or horseback. A code of Conduct applies.

Horseriding on the Speyside Way
Horses are permitted on the Speyside Way between Dufftown and Ballindalloch (ie the old railway line). Riders must be prepared to negotiate fords in two places, and a number of low, single rail stiles. Limited parking for horse boxes is available at Craigellachie and Ballindalloch. Large groups of riders should contact the Ranger in advance. Again, a Code of Conduct applies.
There is a railway station in Elgin, and trains run to / from Aberdeen and Inverness, where connections can be made to the rest of the UK. Buses also connect Elgin with Aberdeen and Inverness, and from Elgin there is a regular service to Aberlour, Craigellachie and Dufftown. South of Aberlour, however, services are much less frequent, and getting to and from Tomintoul by bus requires more perseverance and the help of some local knowledge!

Accommodation
An accommodation list is published by The Moray Council to help you with your plans. Please note that several of the accommodation providers will transport you to and from prearranged locations - this is very useful if you plan a break in your journey where no accommodation is available.

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