Speyside Way

The Speyside Way follows the valley of the River Spey from the Cairngorms to the Moray Firth, passing through a landscape famous for its distilleries, salmon rivers, ospreys and red squirrels. It is one of Scotland's Great Trails and is well-maintained with good waymarking throughout.

For trail runners it is a two to three day route on generally easy terrain — riverside paths, forest tracks and old railway lines are the main surfaces. The total ascent is modest and the route never ventures into serious mountain ground. The valley is sheltered and pleasant in all weathers.

The optional Tomintoul spur (24 km) adds more challenging moorland terrain including a high crossing near Glenlivet. The main route sticks to the valley floor.

Aviemore to Grantown-on-Spey (~40 km): Through Cairngorm National Park. Old Spey railway line and riverside paths. Cromdale Hills to the east.

Grantown to Craigellachie (~45 km): The whisky heartland. Distillery after distillery — Glenfarclas, Aberlour, Macallan. The Spey is at its most impressive here, wide and stately.

Craigellachie to Buckie (~45 km): Down to the Moray Firth coast. Through Fochabers and across the agricultural lowlands to the sea.

Start: Aviemore (main option) or Kincraig. Aviemore has regular rail connections to Inverness and the south.

Finish: Buckie on the Moray coast. Bus to Elgin; train from Elgin to Inverness and Aberdeen.

Accommodation throughout in Grantown-on-Spey, Aberlour and Fochabers. The route is well-set-up for through-runners.

Best time: May to October. The Spey valley is one of Scotland's drier areas.