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SPEYSIDE WAY The Speyside Way is a long distance path
that runs from Buckie to Spey Bay then up the Spey with alternative
destinations at Aviemore and Tomintoul. Parts of this are readily
accessible to riders, especially the section from Craigellachie to
Ballindalloch which follows the old railway line. Location: Beside the River Spey Map: Landranger 28, Elgin & Dufftown Distance: Eighteen mile round trip from Craigellachie to Ballindalloch. Going: Firm grass or soft track. Access & Parking: There are several access points with information boards; from north to south these are:
A good smooth surface, no gates or hills,
several distilleries and some lovely views. This ride is especially nice
in the spring when there are a lot of wildflowers and the views are not
obscured by leaves on the trees. As there are usually walkers about,
galloping is not allowed. The section from Dufftown to Craigellachie is
closed due to a landslide and is no longer passable on horseback.. Heading south from Craigellachie your first
‘hazard’ is a short echoing subway under the main road followed shortly by
a 100 yard long railway tunnel! Then a long straight section to Aberlour
where you pass through the park. South of the village is a narrow
footbridge, (theoretically unsuitable for horses though it has been done),
so ford the burn a few yards upstream. You are in woodland for the next
mile or so before briefly rejoining the river then back into the trees
before briefly joining the public road. You cross an old metal bridge,
unique in Britain as the only bridge where the road and railway run side
by side, and this takes you into the quiet distillery village of Carron.
Continuing south you pass the Knockandhu distillery and another ford, then
Blackboat and finally the impressive bridge across the Spey to the end of
the rideable section at Cragganmore. Then you can enjoy the ride all the way back
again! |
