Walking beyond the Launderette Revolution
The walk from Cromdale to Grantown-on-Spey is a relatively short walk of 3.5miles. My walk began at the Launderette revolution, a vending machine-style laundromat that provides a 24hr washing service. It seems to be a bizarre beginning to my last journey on the Speyside Way, before joining the Dava. Cromdale got its name because of its location within the landscape; the Scottish Gaelic name was,
“Cromdhail, from crom ‘crooked’ and dal ‘valley, dale”
Watson, W. (2011). The Celtic Place-Names of Scotland. Edinburgh: Birlinn Ltd
When I look around, I can see Cromdale’s position within the valley, but I can’t see the crooked!
I joined the path that runs behind the football pitch, accessed by a farm road at the entrance of the village. The pathway crosses the burn of Cromdale and the River Spey. At this point, you could choose an alternative route and walk along the river to Grantown. However, I was following the Moray Way into the forest.
Get Lost in the Woods?
Eventually, I found myself surrounded by beautiful natural Scots pinewood and home to the elusive capercaillie. The RSPB has stated that the capercaillie population has declined so rapidly that there is a real risk of them becoming extinct..
“The Gaelic name for this species, capall-coille, means ‘horse of the forest”
Scottish Wildlife Trust. (2020). Capercallie. [Online]. scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk. Available at: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/species/capercaillie/ [Accessed 9 October 2022].
It is easy to get lost in the woods as many paths entwine. I have spent many hours of woodland wandering and trying to find the right path. However, if you follow the Speyside Way thistle emblems, you should stay on the right track. Eventually, I left the forest at the golf course and headed into town.
The sound of the Anagach Woods is enchanting and I returned early morning the next day to record the sound. Yet, I also enjoy just listening to a place. I recommend just standing or sitting for a while and listening to the forest. Simply sit, look at and listen to the trees. Focus on something specific, such as a bird, or look up at the sky.