The discovery trail is a fantastic nature trail on Inverharroch Farm that the Cabrach trust purchased in 2013. The beautiful trail opened in 2022 and sits on the edge of the Deveron and Blackwater Rivers.
Distance: 2kmTime: 45mins Level: Easy Terrain: Well kept path Access: Parking is available at the Acorn Centre. It is easy to find coming from Dufftown or Rhynie at Lower Cabrach, Cabrach AB54 4EU
Leaving the carpark go past the information board and head towards the the small renovated building and turn left here you will join the discovery trail.
It is an amazing path that is buggy friendly that will take you along to the pond first that you can walk all the way round. Before heading along to the bird hide. That just sits on the edge of the river.
Remember to look up and down as we spotted a stoat, buzzards and hares. Keep along the path and you will find a lovely picnic area before you come to the Blackwater bridge.
From the Blackwater bridge we turned right and went through the gate on the right to head up to the bunker on the hill. You also get a great view of the distillery there too!
To return you just retrace your steps and back to the carpark.
Distance: 2 miles Time: 1 hr Level: Easy Terrain: Good path, pavement and road Access: Arrive by car there is plenty of parking at the Speybay dolphin centre IV32 7PJ (donations for parking)
This is a fab short circuit walk from Speybay via the Spey viaduct. The walk is all on the flat with a good path so family and buggy friendly!
Route: From the car park head for the information board and you will see the path to the left that runs along the side of the river. Head along the path over the wooded footbridge and keep going!
You will follow this path all the way along till you come a 4 way junction. Take the road to the right just before the sign to take you along to the banks of the river and to get a great view of the viaduct.
To return back to Speybay. Go back to the junction and take the track that takes you to the main road. When you get to the main road cross the road on the the pavement and take a left back towards Speybay.
Once you are back to Speybay take a left at the Bay golf club and head back to the carpark.
This is a beautiful trail that not only takes you along a section of the River Spey it gives you a chance to see the remains of a very interesting hydro scheme that was way ahead of its time dating back to the early 20th century, the initiative came from the Duke of Richmond and Gordon who for some years envisaged his Castle being lit by electricity.
View of the River Spey
Distance: 2 ¾ miles Time: 1hr Level: Easy low-level walk Terrain: Well walked woodland paths with some tarred and pavement walking. Access: Arrive by car, parking is available at the Speyside Way car park opposite the opening of Gordon Castle at IV32 7EH. There are also good bus links from Stagecoach with a stop near the start of the walk.
Route: At the car park take a left and head towards the memorial gardens where you get an amazing, framed view of the River Spey. To the left you will see some steps, go down them and follow the path along. There is a small opening if you want to get a good view of the fish ladder. Back on the path go over the footbridge at the fish ladder you will see the signpost to the Intake.
Footbridge at the salmon ladder
Once over the footbridge you will pass some big houses, then there is a fork in the road, take the right fork towards the wooded area. Once on the wood track you will see a wayward marker post, just after you pass it take the opening to the right on the narrower path. This is where you will first see the derelict canal. The path can be quite uneven here and wet but well worth walking and getting dubby boots for.
Old canal
Keep on this path, it will eventually come to the edge of the river where you will get some great views of Ben Aigan in the distance. Follow the path right along the river and you will come to some steps and a bench. This is a great place to stop for a picnic and do some bird spotting on the river.
Just at the intake
Just beyond the bench you will see a wee opening and a little overgrown path where you will find an information board and the intake where the water came in to power the scheme. You still see the grid that was put there to keep fish and debris out. The water ran along the lade (known as the ‘Canal’) to the power station to drive the turbines to produce the electricity.
Head back to the bench there is a path at the right that will take you along beside the edge of the canal. Keep your eyes peeled along here as there are several scrap cars buried in the undergrowth in the canal which were dumped many years ago. Keep on the same path it will take you back to the wayward marker post where you turned off.
Scarp cars
Once back on to the tarred road, at the fork keep right, when you get to the shed at the end of the road turn right on to West St. Halfway along you will see a waterfall on the Burn of Fochabers and a wooden foot bridge running over it. Go over the bridge then take the next left on to George St. This will take you to Fochabers Square. On the other side of the road opposite the fountain you will see a large streetlamp that commemorates the opening of the scheme. Which is a great way to finish the walk.
From the square you can just go along the High St past the traffic lights and bowling green and you will return to the carpark. There are a few cafes on the High St and a lovely ice-cream shop if you fancy some refreshments after your adventure.
The route takes you through the Den woods, the Falls of Tarnash then on to Dunnyduff woods with a great viewpoint of Keith.
Distance: 3.5 miles Time: 1.5-2 hours Level: Easy with some elevation Terrain: Some pavement walking at start and finish and well-trodden wood paths. Be careful, as round the falls can be slippery when wet. Access: Arrive by car or public transport. Good train and bus links between Aberdeen and Inverness.Parking available at Reidhaven Square, Keith AB55 5AB
Route: The walk starts in Reidhaven Square where you head down toward the building in the middle (what used to be the public toilets/bus shelter)then take a right when you get on to Moss Street.Walk along to the end and at the last house carefully cross the road – it can be busy.
Track through Den woods
Walk round the right of Dusty’s customs shop and you will see Old Den Road to the right lined with trees. Start walking along there till you pass the last house (Innesfree) and up to the left you will see the path on the left to take you in to the Den woods.
Follow this path right through the woods for about ¾ mile. Please note if you have a dog and they are off the lead there is a section that is close to the road.
Falls of Tarnash
You will come to a signpost to the right for Falls of Tarnash and Dunnyduff woods. Take this path going over the wee steen bridge and keep going and you will soon come to the Falls. Make sure you explore a bit round here and take plenty of photos on a nice day as it’s a lovely spot for a picnic and even a paddle.
On the way to Dunnyduff
Get back on to the path and there is a sign post up to the left to Dunnyduff woods. There is a wee bit of elevation here but nothing too taxing.
Follow the path which does zig zag a little and keep in the path where you will come to a wee bridge with a handrail. Go straight on here and there is another wee bridge with a handrail: just keep going over the wee bridge following the well-made path. You will come to a bit of clearing where there is a great viewpoint of Keith and Newmill to the left.
Viewing area
The path continues and you will eventually come to steps to descend till you reach a forestry track take a left here. You will come through the carpark and on to the minor road.
Here you can take a left and follow the minor road back or just across the road from the carpark there is an opening and a path that runs alongside the Burn of Drum. This path can be very overgrown in the summer but it’s a great place to see wildlife such as red squirrel and birds as well as lots of wildflowers. I also spotted a buzzard along here too.
Whatever way you decide to go you will come to a bridge to go over and you head up the road till you come to a junction. Take a right here on to Edindiach Road heading back in to Keith. The road turns to the left on to Balloch Road and you will see the square ahead and the end of the walk.
This is a interesting and possible slighty creepy place to visit near Fochabers! Details of the stone below is from the information board at the stone!
Jean Carr stone information board.
The stone is a large conglomerate boulder left from the ice age I million years ago and has probably lain here more or less unnoticed until the arrival of Jean Carr in the 18th century.
The story goes, although only pieces remain, that a young girl named Jean Carr was, to quote a sentence from old records, “Fan she wis a lassie, she was chained in the hoose by her father, an fan he dee’t, Jean said there wis two prisoners relieved.”
After this she fled, took to the open road and led the life of a gypsy, becoming a familiar figure in the area between Banff and Fochabers.
She led this happy life under the stars until the birth of her child. The local authorities snatched the child and housed it for safety with the village nurse. In an attempt to recover the child Jean tore at the thatched roof of the nurse’s home, only to be arrested and put in jail. After this incident the child was never seen again and Jean, now childless took to helping herself to other people’s, becoming a known nuisance in the local towns. At night Jean would seek the shelter of the great rock.
Jean Carr stone
“Lock up your bairns, Jean Carr’s in toon!” was the cry when she descended on Fochabers!
Some time later it was announced in a local paper that her son had died and Jean’s life was never the same again. At nights she would be seen disappearing in to the countryside and for many years took refuge under this stone. She was still seen wandering the byways as an old frail woman until one morning she was found, wrapped in her tattered shawl, lying in her favourite place under the ancient friendly rock cold and dead.
Distance: 2 1/4 miles Time: 1-1 1/2hrs Level: Easy with elevation Terrain: Forrest road and woodland track. Access: From Fochabers turn left at the chipshop and keep going out of town for approx 1 1/2miles. Just before you come to the Earthpillars car park on the right take the track on the left. Drive up past the opening to the house on the right till you come to a small carpark and gate into the Ordiequish woods. Click for google map link!
Route: Leaving the carpark head through the gate and start your walk on the forestry road. Just over half a mile in the road will take a turn to the left and shortly after you will come to a junction take a left here.
The road will ascend straight uphill at around a mile you will pass two openings at the right before you will see an opening to the left and a narrow path. Take this path and you will soon see the information board and the stone. It’s hard to believe Jean would hike away up here but we all have that one place we love to visit!
Path to the stone
Return by retracing your steps back to the carpark. There is a circuit but due to recent storms I decided that it was best not to carry on in case of falling trees.
We had not been to Dalraddy Holiday Park for a really long time so we thought we would try it out again. The campsite is located just a few miles from Aviemore with lots of activities on and off site.
Our Pitch
The site itself is large with chalets, residential caravans, seasonal & touring pitches as well as tent pitches. Around the site there is a main toilet block with showers, dishwashing and laundry. There is a smaller shower block as well as other small toilet blocks. At the reception you can find a small shop stocking the essentials. There is a great play park for the kids and an abundance of picnic benches. If you are in a group there is a fantastic bbq area if you want to get everyone together.
Alvie Tractor Train
At the entrance of the site you will find Alvie Forest Food a fantastic food van with beautifully prepared dishes and a recent addition of a coffee cart called Cabin coffee. Quad biking treks are available to book at the gate there are plenty of other activities and it is worth checking out the Alvie Estate website for something that suits you.
Alvie Forest Foods
For me Dalraddy is a great place to get walking and biking. There is a fantastic walk to the Duke of Gordon Monument. You can walk/cycle along the Speyside way. We headed to Kincraig and Loch Insh and got a pint at the Boathouse before heading back.
Duke of Gordon Monument
If you would like to explore the area there is plenty to do within a 10-15 mile drive.
Highland Wildlife park is around 5 miles away. At the park you can drive through the reserve and see the polar bears, snow leopards, amur tigers and many other animals then visit the wildlife discovery centre. Entry fees do apply.
Loch Insh Outdoor Centre is around 3 1/2 miles. Where you find a large selection of watersports as well as tubing, skating and archery. Prices vary depending on activity.
Loch Insh
Cairngorm Mountain Railway is around 12 miles away. The railway has only just reopened after being closed for some time. You don’t have to take part in snowsports to go up the railway you can just take a trip up to enjoy the views and have coffee and cake at The Ptarmigan restaurant. Return tickets can be purchased at Cairngorm Mountain resort.
Cairngorm Mountain looking down to the Ptarmigan restaurant!
Strathspey Steam Railway is only 4 miles away at Aviemore and is a fantastic day out for everyone including your dogs. You are taking along the line from Aviemore to Broomhill and return in a beautiful steam locomotive. There is an option to enjoy a light lunch or afternoon tea along the way. Booking available online or at the station.
Strathspey Steam Railway
This is only a very small selection of activities available!
Dalraddy is a great site to visit with everything you need and so much to do just on your doorstep!
This is a stunning walk with epic views of the Cairngorm’s. Great walk if you want just a wee hill to climb rather than a munro!
Distance: Around 3.75 miles Time: 1 1/2-2hrs Level: Easy with some steep sections Terrain: Well maintained path, tar, grass track and woodland track. Access: Arrive by car parking at the entrance to Dalraddy campsite PH22 1QB.
Route: Starting in the carpark go to your left through the quad bike area and head under the railway bridge. Take a left after the bridge and head through the gate. Keep going till you reach the junction take a right here and head along the tarred road.
You will reach a fork in the road take the left hand track. Go up the track till you reach the gate and the grass park. Follow the path to the left edge of the park till you reach the opening on your left and the track that takes you in to the woods.
Looking back at the opening
Follow the track till you reach the fork. Take the left fork here and continue straight on. Keep a look out for the Waterloo cairn to your right that is worth stopping at. The cairn was erected by Marquis of Huntly, August 11, 1815 in memory of Robert Macara of 42nd Royal Highlanders, also Of Col. John Cameron of 92nd or Gordon Highlanders and their brave countrymen who glorious fell at the battle of Waterloo June 1815.
The Waterloo Cairn
Not long after the Waterloo cairn the monument will come in to view. The track does go down hill a little before climbing back up.
The Duke of Gordon Monument
The track winds its way through the trees till you come to the Duke of Gordon Monument that commemorates the last Duke of Gordon who died in 1836. Once you have explored the area you return the way you came taking in the beautiful views.
Kingston drift wood hut was built by the locals and is an amazing place to visit. There is something added to it every time I visit!
Distance: 1 1/2 miles Time: 1hr Level: Easy Terrain: Grass track and pebble beach Access: Arrive by car, parking is available at corner Kingston road and Beach road. There is a no 34 Stagecoach bus from Elgin.
Route: This is a fantastic short walk leaving from the car park take the track to the left that runs past the back of the houses. Follow the track right along and it will narrow down to a path.
Kingston
Keep a look out for the ducks paddling in the water to your right.
When you get to the play park turn left and head back towards the beach hut. It is pebbles all the way so not the easiest to walk on so wear good footwear.
When you get to the beach hut make sure you explore it inside and outside and see if you find the visitor book. Please be respectful while you are there the locals after spent a lot of time and effort to build the hut,
Kingston beach hut
After exploring the area return the same way as you came.
This circular route is based around Aberlour in the heart of Speyside, an area famed for its whisky distilleries and shortbread factory. The walk takes you out of the town and into the woods. Following the woodland path, you will come to the stunning Linn Falls (Linn of Ruthrie waterfalls). On your return to the town you will pass by the Aberlour Distillery before finding the hidden packhorse bridge.
Start: The Square Aberlour Distance: 2 miles Time: 1 hour Terrain: Sections of pavements and road, along with a section of forest path and track. Some steps and rough ground. Access: Arrive by car or public transport. Stagecoach No 36 bus runs between Elgin and Aberlour at regular intervals throughout the day. Car parking available at Alice Littler Memorial park (postcode AB38 9QP). The walk starts from The Square (postcode AB38 9PX).
Route: Starting from The Square, pass the Co-op on your left-hand side and head up Queen’s Road. Once past the Fleming Hospital on your right, you will see a sign for Glenallachie and Fairy Knowe. Follow the narrow path up on to the road turning right. Just past the street of houses, take the narrower road to the back of sheds. It is signposted to the falls.
At the end of the tarred , narrow road, you will come to a gate, pass through the gate and on to a woodland path.
Stay on the main path, ignoring any paths that branch off. The main path will curve to the right, and you will descend steps with a handrail and soon see the beautiful double-cascading waterfall.
Make sure you take plenty of photographs.
You can stop for a picnic here and perhaps even a paddle.
Once you have explored the falls, Follow the Burn of Aberlour round to the right and after a short walk you will pass the Aberlour Distillery on your left. This is another great photo opportunity.
When you arrive at the bridge at the main road cross over. Be careful of traffic as this road can be busy. Once safely across, look over the bridge and nestled in the undergrowth there is a small, old packhorse bridge that was built around 1624.
Take the path to the right-hand side of the packhorse bridge which will lead you back to the car park if you parked at the Alice Littler Memorial Park. Or take a right to take you along the High Street and back to The Square.
Tracy Goes Outside 