Walks you can reach from Aviemore by train

Dalwhinnie Station to Kingussie Station (Inverness-shire)

15m direct from Aviemore.

a wonderful natural landscape with plenty of wildlife; some splendid isolation and views over the moors in Badenoch. A long, remote walk through wild Badenoch moorland in two distinct sections: a narrow tarmac road with light traffic from Dalwhinnie, then General Wade's military road across open moorland and through woodland, where the track becomes grassy and indistinct. A few boggy areas and streams to negotiate and plus two crossings of the A9. No facilities; splendid isolation and moorland views. Follows General Wade's military road across the moor. A remote area with no facilities along the way; abundant wildlife including birds, dragonflies and damselflies. Crossing the A9 twice; cyclable on a hybrid or mountain bike.

Tough: 22km. Moderate ascents.

The first section follows a narrow tarmac road with no footpath. The moorland path is indistinct in places, so careful navigation with GPS and map is needed at junctions. Two crossings of the A9 trunk road. A few boggy areas. No facilities the whole way.

Lunch: No facilities along the way; come fully provisioned.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Spean Bridge Station to Dalwhinnie Station (Inverness-shire)

30m direct from Aviemore.

A long, remote route with little habitation; the first half largely follows a dismantled tramway and coming close to the A86 about halfway along.

Tough: 56km, steep ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Inverness Station to Nairn Station (Inverness-shire)

45m direct from Aviemore.

Largely good off-road walking through Culloden Forest and High Wood and down the wooded valley of the River Nairn and though one section near Cawdor cannot be followed without bush-whacking.

Tough: 35km. Moderate ascents.

Between the White Bridge near Clephanton and Kilravoch Castle the route cannot be followed and requires a diversion. The riverside path down the River Nairn is unsafe when the river is high, runs very close to the water with drops of around 2m in places, and can be cut after flooding.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Dingwall Station to Inverness Station (Ross-shire)

45m direct from Aviemore.

A long and varied route following the John o'Groats Trail: an unscenic exit past the industrial port, the Kessock Bridge, then steep climbs into forest with high vegetation, forest paths and minor roads and shore-side stretches. Includes the Cromarty Bridge and a stretch where you must step over railway rails and climb a fence. Covers the Inverness to Culbokie section of the John o'Groats Trail plus the section towards Alness; see jogt.org.uk. Munlochy has a small local shop, and the walk can be broken at Culbokie.

Tough: 34km, steep ascents.

Steep climbs through high vegetation mean leg covering is needed. A short stretch near Munlochy is busy with little verge. There is no controlled crossing of the railway near the Cromarty Bridge: you step over the rails and climb a small fence. The Kessock and Cromarty bridges carry heavy, noisy traffic and can be windy. Best split with an overnight stop.

Lunch: Munlochy, roughly mid-route, has a small local shop.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Muir of Ord Station to Inverness Station (Inverness-shire)

45m direct from Aviemore.

18km. Moderate ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Beauly Station to Inverness Station (Inverness-shire)

45m direct from Aviemore.

Tough: 24km, steep ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Blair Atholl Station to Pitlochry Station (Perthshire)

45m direct from Aviemore.

attractive scenery. A largely flat, mostly riverside route along the Garry and Tummel through the Pass of Killiecrankie, on forest and riverside paths that are part-paved and with just under half on quiet tarmac roads or pavement. Plenty of shade. Some flights of steps. Mostly follows the River Garry and Tummel. The NTS Killiecrankie visitor centre, just off route, makes a worthwhile half-way break. Both ends are on the same bus and train line.

Tough: steep ascents. 13km.

One quiet quarry road has no pavement and may carry quarry lorries on weekdays. An alternative path through woods avoids walking the main road around a blind bend at Killiecrankie.

Lunch: Potential refreshment stop just off route at the NTS Killiecrankie visitor centre, roughly half way.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route