7-Day / 6-Night Gentle

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

Starting in the whisky-rich town of Aberlour, the route follows a former railway, tracing the River Spey through a mix of riverside paths, woodland, and open farmland. You pass distilleries and small hamlets, with the chance to spot anglers in the water, before crossing the river at Carron Bridge. From here, the trail meanders gently above the Spey, through fields and pockets of forest, before arriving in Ballindalloch over the Ballindalloch Viaduct Bridge.

Transfer to Tomintoul in the morning. Starting in the village of Tomintoul, the trail climbs gently through open moorland and heather-covered hills, offering sweeping views across the Cairngorms. As you descend towards Glenlivet, the landscape shifts to quiet farmland and pockets of pine forest, rich with wildflowers and birdlife. The route passes the historic Glenlivet distillery before arriving in the peaceful glen, where whisky heritage meets Highland wilderness. Overnight in Ballindalloch.

Beginning at Ballindalloch, the route briefly follows the old 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 views of the Cairngorms. The path rolls gently through quiet countryside and descends past Tom an Uird woods to finish in Cromdale, a village with rich Jacobite history. From there, you are transferred and overnight in Grantown-on-Spey.

Starting from a charming old railway station at Cromdale which has been beautifully restored, you then cross over the Spey River and follow a tree-lined trail into Anagach Wood, one of the last remaining breeding areas of the iconic Capercaillie. Pop into pretty Grantown-on-Spey for lunch and continue with some easy walking along a former railway line. The Cairngorms mountains are often in view across riverside farmland.

From the quaint village of Nethy Bridge, 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.