Dufftown – Gordon’s Cross

Dufftown - Gordon's Cross

The Gordons Cross Path explores the countryside around Dufftown and gives good access to all the natural attributes the area has to offer throughout the four seasons.

  • Accessibility: Suitable for a wide range of users

    The section of route between Hardhaugh and the Crachie Road Bridge is not recommended for horses or cyclists due to the nature of the route surface and the presence of physical barriers.

  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    Fully surfaced roadside paths in the build up areas. Rough grassy and gravel paths in country sections.

  • Gradient: Short steep sections

    A total climb of 250 feet involved in traversing this route. Gentle inclines throughout but there are a few short steep sections.

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    Several gates require to be negotiated near Gordon’s Cross and beside the River Fiddich where there are also wooden steps.

  • Fully signed

Dufftown – Dufftown Dramble

Dufftown - Dufftown Dramble

‘Rome was built on seven hills, Dufftown was built on seven stills’ – so goes the old rhyme. This walk, starting from the Dufftown clock-tower, links all the Dufftown distilleries in one walk.

  • Accessibility: Suitable for a wide range of users

    Able-bodied walkers, some sections can be cycled. The nature of the terrain and the presence of physical barriers would make the route difficult to negotiate on horseback.

  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    A mixture of tarmac, gravel and grass paths with some sections on public roads - look out for traffic. Short gradients and sections of uneven path.

  • Gradient: Undulating

    Generally level with short gradients.

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    A number of gates and steps.

  • Unsigned

Ben Aigan

Ben Aigan hill walk

Ben Aigan lies to the east of Rothes, the north east of Craigellachie and to the east of the River Spey which flows along the foot of its western and northern slopes. Rising to a height of 471m (1546 feet) and extensively forested apart from the summit cone, the top of Ben Aigan provides magnificent views over Speyside, south to Ben Rinnes, and away to the north over the Moray Firth to the hills of Sutherland

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Defined hill path
  • Slopes throughout
  • Partly signed

Logie – Sluie path

The path is a circular route through woodland, and the sections which follow the river Findhorn are very close to the cliff edge. The path is approximately three miles south of Forres.

  • Accessibility: Suitable for a wide range of users

    The route is suitable for a wide range of users but the terrain might prove difficult for the less able

  • Terrain: Forest tracks

    Mostly a woodland earth path with narrow aggregate sections, and rough vehicle tracks.

  • Gradient: Undulating

    Be aware the path is undulating and is close to steep cliffs at parts,

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    Many protruding tree roots crossing the path

  • Partly signed

The Gownie

The Gownie Hill Path

A circular walk via Craigellachie and Aberlour for the more enthusiastic walker looking for some adventure. Initially follow Balvenie Street to the Railway Station. Walk along the platform to the left and cross the road into the car park to join the β€œSpur” to the Speyside Way.

  • Accessibility: Suitable for a wide range of users

    A route for the more energetic walker and cyclist.

  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    Mostly surfaced access tracks particularly in lowland section with some grassy paths through fields. Rough in places

  • Gradient: Slopes throughout

    Considerable gradients to the summit of the Gownie Path at a height of around 1000ft.

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    There are some stiles and gates to be negotiated.

Archiestown Woods

Archiestown Woods

This is a circular route of about twelve miles through forestry and on quiet public roads. It connects with the Speyside Way and the Drum Wood circular route. The Mannoch Road is an ancient right of way that runs from Elgin to Knockando; the name comes from the Gaelic work for monk.

    Drum Wood

    This is a nice easy circular route that takes in a few miles of the Speyside Way and returns through forestry on the other side of the river. Good views to the north from the Drum Wood and very scenic alongside the Spey. This route is not waymarked and part of it runs through private land.

    • 10 miles (16 km)
    • 120 meters (393 ft)
    • Varied surfaces

    Lossie Forest & Beach

    Lossie Forest

    This ride takes you through the forest from Kingston towards Lossiemouth and back either through the forest or along the edge of the beach.

    • Terrain: Coastal tracks

      Good firm sand on the beach and reasonably soft forest tracks.Β 

    • Generally level
    • No barriers

    Roseisle Beach

    Roseisle Beach

    A very pleasant, long beach ride. Roseisle Beach stretches for nearly eight miles from Findhorn in the west to Burghead in the east. The route described is not way-marked or maintained by the Commission as a horse-riding route.

    • Terrain: Coastal tracks

      Once across the softer sand and gravelly patches the beach sand is good and level and firm although keep an eye out for soft spots/hidden rocks/small 'streams' of water.

    • Generally level
    • No barriers
    • Partly signed

    Forres – Sanquhar Loch Path

    Forres Sanquhar Loch

    This is a circular route around Sanquhar Loch on paths, which can be muddy depending on the weather. Tree roots can be a problem and care needs to be taken at points along the path. This is a very scenic walk at any time of year, well signposted all the way round, with interesting wildlife particularly ducks, coots and swans.

    • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
    • Terrain: Varied surfaces

      Mainly gravel paths - can be muddy.

    • Generally level
    • Barriers: Some barriers

      Steps at the footbridge. Tree roots along some section of path.

    Forres – Cluny Hill Path

    Forres Cluny Hill Path

    This is a circular route on good paths with 1 steep road section at the start but then relatively flat. The walk is under a tree canopy most of the time. In autumn and winter the fallen leaves can be knee high! You can extend the walk by joining other paths round the hill.

    • Suitable for buggies but not wheelchairs
    • Terrain: Paved footpaths & roads

      Tarmac and gravel paths - can be muddy.

    • Gradient: Generally level

      One steep road section, then generally level.

    Forres – Grant Park

    Forres Grant Park

    This is a pleasant circular route through parkland, on good paths around the park. There are places to rest in the park. In spring and summer the flowerbeds are very picturesque. In autumn the trees are spectacular but beware of fallen leaves on the paths, which can make them very slippy if wet. You can extend this walk by joining onto Cluny Hill paths.

    • Accessible for all users
    • Paved footpaths & roads
    • Generally level

    Forres – Mosset Burn

    Forres Mosset Burn

    This is a very pleasant walk with trees, flowerbeds and birds. The paths are all good although if it has been very wet they may be a little muddy in places. There are places to sit and rest throughout the walk. You’ll need to take care crossing over Bridge Street.

    • Accessible for all users
    • Terrain: Paved footpaths & roads

      Gravel footpaths can be muddy.

    • Gradient: Generally level

      Mainly level but some downward slopes through park.

    Loch Romach and Altyre Estate

    Loch Romach and Altyre Estate

    Views across the Cromarty Firth are magnificent from the High Drive on Altyre Estate. Some of this route follows the Dava Way which is way-marked but much is on private land.

      Cullen – Salmon Bothy Circular

      Cullen salmon bothy

      The Salmon Bothy Circular Path provides a short coastal walk, which takes in magnificent coastal views.

      • 1.6 miles (2.56 km)
      • 40 meters (131 ft)
      • 45 minutes
      • Accessibility: Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies

        There is a steep ramped path with handrail leading from the harbour area up to cliff top. Flat gravel path between the caravan park and the Nelson’s Seat viewpoint providing opportunity for less able bodied users.

      • Terrain: Varied surfaces

        Fully surfaced roadside paths in the built up areas. Bound gravel paths elsewhere, with a short steep section of rough grassy path at the outlying gully. There are plans for this section to be upgraded to gravel.

      • Gradient: Mixed gradient

        Relatively flat throughout but there are two short steep sections.

      • Barriers: Some barriers

        There is a steep ramped path with handrail leading from the harbour area up to cliff top.

      • Fully signed

      Hopeman – Beach and Lodge Walk

      Hopeman Beach and Lodge Walk

      This is an extension of the Level 1 Beach Walk, following the coast path past the beach huts and turning inland up Lodge Lane.

      • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
      • Terrain: Varied surfaces

        Mainly tarmac pavements and paths, but gravel section at Lodge Lane. Care to be taken on Lodge Lane, which can be muddy in wet weather.

      • Gradient: Short steep sections

        Steady incline up lodge lane. Relatively level elsewhere.

      Hopeman – Railway Path

      Hopeman Railway Path

      This walk takes you from Hopeman Surgery on a circular route along part of the old railway line to Cummingston. It is quite sheltered along the old track and has lovely views over the Moray Firth with potential to spot dolphins. The section from Cummingston back towards Hopeman is along a pavement next to a relatively busy road so care will be required.

      • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
      • Terrain: Varied surfaces

        Gravel paths and tarmac pavements.

      • Gradient: Generally level

        Relatively level, with short downwards slope to the old railway line in Hopeman and short steep incline to the bridge near Cummingston.

      • Barriers: Some barriers

        Steps down to railway path at the Hopeman end.

      • Partly signed

      Craigellachie – Telford Bridge

      Craigellachie - Telford Bridge

      This is a linear walk along level paths, which include grass tracks and so is not suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. It follows part of the Speyside Way and has beautiful riverside views to the famous Thomas Telford metal bridge. There are benches in the car parks at both ends of the walk and seasonal toilets in Fiddich Park.

      • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
      • Terrain: Varied surfaces

        Compacted earth and gravel paths with some grass sections. Timber bridge. The path also passes under the road bridge.

      • Generally level
      • Partly signed