The Speyside way walk runs alongside the river Spey and for the main part will take several days walking to accomplish the trail, thus requiring a stop off or two at local Scottish highland bed and breakfast, Scottish Highland farmhouses or Scottish highland hotels. It encompasses terrain from coast to mountain from Buckpool to Aviemore before you have to choose whether to follow directions to Duff town (another 4 miles) or extend your walk by another 15 miles to Tomintoul.
Many walkers prefer to start at the carpark close to Aviemore police station and walk against the direction of the sun towards Buckpool but either way you’ll encounter splendid scenery .
Aviemore to Boat of Garten (renown for its ospreys) is about 6 miles long then through the RSPB Abernethy Nature Reserve) to Nethy bridge.
Tracing the old railway line (no longer in use) to Grantown on Spey , you’ll trace forest tracks and have
accomplished a further 17 miles of the journey.
Onward to Ballindaloch and then to Craigellachie, stretching approximately 12 miles through the heart of Scottish Highland Whisky trail. An interesting diversion and further 4 miles on at Dufftown,and you might consider popping into the Glenfiddich Distillery or the famous Balvenie Castle.
Continue your trail to Fochabers that will enable you to follow tracks alongside the River Spey to Spey Bay. From Port Gordon the end is in sight and Buck pool harbour you’ll be putting your feet up and enjoying the sea air whilst sampling the local brew; the end to a perfect few days Walking in the Scottish Highlands.
