The Speyside Way is one of four official Long Distance Routes in Scotland (the others are the West Highland Way, the Southern Upland Way and the Great Glen Way). It was first opened in 1981, to run from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch, with a spur to Tomintoul being added in 1990. A northern extension from Spey Bay to Buckie followed in 1999, with the route finally being completed between Ballindalloch and Aviemore in April 2000. The route now links the Moray coast with the edge of the Grampian Mountains, generally following the valley of the River Spey. The Speyside Way is managed by the Moray Council on behalf of the Access Authorities responsible - Moray Council, Cairngorms National Park and the Highland Council. The Cairngorms National Park funds management and maintenance of the route within the Park boundaries and the rest of the route is substantially funded by Scottish Natural Heritage. The Speyside Way Ranger Service, based in Aberlour, covers all of the route. For an overview of Long Distance Trails in the rest of Britain and Europe, follow these links:- Long Distance Walkers Association and Epaths

Follow this link to the new
section by section guide to the route!

 

 

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Further Route Information

A free accommodation and basic information leaflet is also available from the Speyside Way Visitor Centre in Aberlour, and from TICs. The accommodation list is also available here.

A new edition map of the whole route has been produced in association with Harvey Maps, and this is now widely available, price £11.95

 

 

Look out too for the new edition (March 2007) 'Rucksack Reader' for the Way - a 64 page beautifully illustrated guide to the route written and produced by Jacquetta Megarry, and co-authored by Jim Strachan, the Route Manager. Price £10.99

 

 

 

 

A new "Footprint" map of the Speyside Way has been launched (early 2006) by Stirling Surveys, price £4.95

 

 

 

These publications are also available from the Speyside Way Visitor Centre and the

 

Cycling on the Speyside Way

The Speyside Way between Fochabers and Ballindalloch and between Nethybridge and Aviemore is suitable for cycling. Between Boat of Garten and Aviemore, the route is shared with a section of the SUSTRANS millennium cycle way. The 'off road' sections between Ballindalloch and Tomintoul, and between Ballindalloch and Cromdale cannot sustain cycle traffic, and we ask you to avoid them. Between Ballindalloch (Delnapot) and Cromdale an alternative exists using the B9102. Cyclists are asked at all times 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. See SOAC advice to cyclists

 

Horseriding on the Speyside Way

The Speyside Way between Craigellachie and Ballindalloch (ie the old railway line) is suitable for horseriding. Riders must be prepared to negotiate fords in two places, and a number of low, single rail stiles. Limited parking for horseboxes is available at Craigellachie and Ballindalloch. Large groups of riders should contact the Rangers in advance. See SOAC advice to horseriders.

 

Public Transport.

There are railway stations in Elgin and Aviemore from where connections can be made to the rest of the UK. The Edinburgh/Glasgow bus service passes through Aviemore. 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! There is a local (infrequent) bus service linking Aviemore with Grantown on Spey and Ballindalloch. For more information, see our Public Transport Guide

 

Dogs.

Dogs under close control are welcome on most of the route, but because of the likelihood of encountering livestock, we advise you not to take your dog on the section between Ballindalloch and Cromdale. This is for your own safety, and that of your dog. Cattle, whilst ignoring humans themselves, will readily chase their canine companions, and this can be very alarming and dangerous. (If there is no alternative to taking your dog on holiday with you, you can at a pinch bypass this section by following the B9102 from Delnapot to Cromdale) On all other parts of the route if your dog should foul the path, please take a minute to clear up the mess. See SOAC advice to dog walkers

 

Accommodation

An accommodation list is published by The Speyside Way (and is available from the Ranger Service) 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. See also the list of campsites available.

 

Last but not least

- a cautionary tale for those of you who love exploring old railway lines!!

 

Further Information from:-

 

The Speyside Way Ranger Service,

Speyside Way Visitor Centre,
Old Station Building,
Aberlour,
Banffshire AB38 9QP
Phone/fax 01340881266

 

 

or email us at - speyside.way@moray.gov.uk

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