Fochabers and Spey Bay

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
14 kms	05:00 (hrs:mins)	60 metres	OS Map Explorer 424

Description

From Spey Bay, follow Speyside Way signs back along the road for 250m, and then turn right onto a track, which is followed for 1.5km. The Speyside Way path is currently being extended to Buckie along the coast and further up the Spey to Aviemore. There are fine views along the track to Ben Aigen and beyond it to distant Ben Rinnes.

At the old railway line, turn right, down to the river. Go up steps to the impressive railway viaduct, and cross the river. Continue on a path above the golf course.

At the road bridge, go up the steps on the left and turn left on the road (a short diversion right leads into the attractive village of Garmouth, where King Charles II signed the Solemn League and Covenant in June 1650, accepting the proposed Reformation of the Church).

Continue down the minor road, which gives very easy walking with wide views, for 4km/2.5 miles past the unusual Red Kirk of 1733 to enter Mosstodloch and reach the A96.

Turn left for 800m to reach Baxter?s Visitor Centre. After visiting Baxter?s, cross the road, turn left along the footpath, and cross the old Spey Bridge. At the far side, turn right down steps and a ramp, then right again to the riverside path (the Speyside Way). Walk under the two bridges and turn right as signed to reach the road.

Turn left along the road for 800m. The wall on the right encloses the grounds of Gordon Castle, historic home of the Dukes of Gordon (not open).

Leave the road as signed on the left to pick up the riverside path. There are islands on the river, which hold nesting colonies of noisy terns, and you will probably find anglers along here, the Spey being a famous salmon river.

After 2.5km beside the Spey, as the river swings left, look carefully for the sign on the road showing where you leave the riverside track. It is easy to miss the sign and carry on along the riverside, which is a dead-end.

In 500m, turn left on a minor track. Join a wider track after another 400m, pass the end of the path leading to the viaduct and retrace your steps to Spey Bay.