(1) The Speyside Way

Runs from peaceful Spey Bay to Fochabers, option of cycling over Spey viaduct to Garmouth.

The Speyside Way runs from Spey Bay to Aviemore. Bikes are allowed on much of it as far as Ballindalloch. Beyond this there are a number of back road alternatives. The National Cycle Network Route 1 also runs by Spey Bay and this might be included in a longer trip

The Speyside Way is surprisingly quiet but very varied. Some sections are on the old Strathspey Railway, other parts are in forest, these are quite hilly. The route also uses riverside paths and minor roads.

The nearest railway stations are at Elgin and Keith, there are bus services which call at various points on the way. They don't take bikes, but might be very useful for returning you to your car at the end of a trip.

The local ranger service issue an annual newsletter, called The Speyside Wayfarer, this gives information updates on the state of The Way, and is full of advertisments for B&Bs, hotels, places to eat and places to buy food. The phone number of the ranger service is 01340 881266.

Route Description

The Speyside Way starts near the Tugnet Ice House (now a museum) at Spey Bay. There is a cafe nearby. You can get to this on the B9104 from Fochabers.

A more interesting way to get to the start is via Garmouth by using a former railway line and an old viaduct. Take the B9105 from Mosstodloch to Garmouth and join the Spey Viaduct Walk by picnic tables as you enter the village. The former rail line crosses over the River Spey and joins the B9104 just south of Spey Bay.

Spey Bay used to be the point where salmon were netted before they entered the River Spey. These days of course they are far too valuable (and too few of them) for this to happen, the museum in the ice house has displays that illustrate this.

You should cycle on the B9104, not the river footpath, these merge just before you enter Fochabers. Enter the town by turning left on the main road - avoid the traffic by using the cycle path sections.