5-Day / 4-Night Challenging

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Ballindalloch.

Transfer to Tomintoul in the morning. Today’s hike follows good tracks and paths through forestry and the quintessential moorlands before reaching the summit of Carn Daimh, the highest point of the entire Speyside Way. Then, descend these wild paths to the award winning Glenlivet Distillery, followed by a short optional detour to visit the famous old Packhorse Bridge. Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, you ascend again through fields and open moorland before the final descent to Ballindalloch. Look out for the old stone bridge over the Avon River and, if you have time, we recommend a trip to Ballindalloch Castle – the “Pearl of the North”. Overnight in Ballindalloch.

Starting at Ballindalloch, near its castle and Cragganmore Distillery, the route briefly follows a disused railway before climbing into undulating woodland and open farmland above the River Spey. You weave through chain-gates and field edges, crossing small streams via stepping stones and boardwalks, with occasional glimpses of the Cairngorms. The path rolls gently through quiet countryside and descends past Tom an Uird woods, and you pass a splendid old railway station at Cromdale which has been beautifully restored. A lovely walk through Anagach Wood takes you into the pretty little town of Grantown-on-Spey.

Follow the old Strathspey Railway line to the quaint village of Nethy Bridge from where the route follows woodland paths through the Abernethy National Nature Reserve, with chances to spot red squirrels and seasonal birdlife. The impressive RSPB Loch Garten Osprey Centre is a short detour from the trail. Continue on quiet tracks and minor roads to cross the River Spey into Boat of Garten. From here, the trail runs alongside the Strathspey Steam Railway, through beautiful moorland with open views towards the Cairngorms, before arriving in Aviemore, a bustling hub for outdoor adventures in the Highlands.

There are regular bus and train services from Aviemore to Edinburgh and to Inverness. Full details provided upon booking.