Route Summary
A scenic walk in the low hills to the N of Grantown, enjoying wide-open views. There is added variety near the end of the route with a pretty section along the River Spey before entering mature pine forest, and passing a tranquil lochan on the edge of the impressive townscape.
Duration: 2.5 hours.
Route Overview
Duration: 2.5 hours.
Transport/Parking: Stagecoach bus service from Aviemore Railway Station to Grantown. Check timetables. Parking options at The Square in Grantown where the walk starts/ends.
Length: 9.000 km / 5.63 mi
Height Gain: 178 meter. Height Loss: 178 meter.
Max Height: 309 meter. Min Height: 200meter.
Surface: Moderate. On a mix of tarred roads, good rough roads, and surfaced paths. The Glen Beg burn must be crossed using stepping stones at a mid-point on the walk. Suitable for off-road mobility scooter users if their vehicle can cross the Glen Beg burn at the ford.
Difficulty: Easy.
Child Friendly: Yes, if children are used to walks of this distance and overall ascent.
Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on lead on public roads and near farm animals.
Refreshments: Options in Grantown.
Description
This ramble around and about Grantown-on-Spey provides an excellent introduction to this attractive Highland town, and the upland farming on surrounding low hills. The walk permits some fine views of the upper valley of the River Spey, and to the highest mountains of the Cairngorms where the Lairig Ghru pass cuts through to Deeside. After leaving the town square, the route heads north-west, going under the old railway line (now part of the Dava Way), before ascending quite steeply, by twists and turns, on the old Gortons Road to the little cluster of houses at Dreggie. In this section, on a good day, there are spectacular views to the imposing high mountains to the west of the upper Strathspey valley. The route now follows a rough access road for 5 km amongst birch woodland and sheep pasture around Glen Beg, and descending to cross the Beg Burn at a ford with stepping stones. There are great views at every turn on the track to enjoy. After leaving Glen Beg and crossing the A95 road, the route then features a scenic stretch along the Spey, one of the longest, and certainly the fastest flowing river in Scotland. In the final section, the path passes by a delightful loch set amongst the extensive mature pine woodlands on the southern side of the settlement. Grantown is an 18thC planned town, built to service the industrial and agriculture revolution. There are many fine Georgian and Victorian buildings (look out for the informative Grantown Society plaques, especially along the High Street and at the open, grassy Square). With the arrival of the railway in the 19thC, Grantown became a popular holiday and leisure destination for its sunny position, clean air, and easy access to mountains and forests. Unsurprisingly, this is still the case today!
Links:
Photos from Walk
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