Walks from Aviemore

Speyside Way through the forested fringe of the Cairngorms National Park, great mountain views, Aviemore to Boat of Garten on the Strathspey Steam Railway.

Warnings: Highland weather is changeable; bring layers and waterproofs.

Walk details: ScotRail (tips).

A beautiful walk along well maintained paths through native Caledonian Forest; classic Highland landscapes; a delight. A beautiful walk on well-maintained gravel paths through native Caledonian pine forest, heather and conifers, following the Speyside Way, forest trails and minor roads and with the Strathspey Railway for company on the first section. Easy and well-suited to bikes. Follows the Speyside Way and Cycle Route 7. Boat of Garten at the halfway point has cafes and good facilities. The relic of the old bridge at Carrbridge is worth seeing.

Woodland: a third under tree cover.

Time: 4h30–9h30

Lunch: A couple of cafes at Boat of Garten, midway, and a cafe and shop at Carrbridge.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Lots of lovely nature to enjoy. Largely follows a well-maintained, signposted multi-use trail in good condition, on quiet paths beside a minor road, through RSPB woodland and pleasant riverside stretches and with some road walking. Easy and clear going throughout. Largely follows the Speyside Way national trail, diverging from it in places. The RSPB Insh Marshes reserve has a visitor centre with a bar/cafe.

Woodland: a third under tree cover.

Time: 6h30–13h

Lunch: Visitor centre with a bar/cafe at the RSPB reserve roughly mid-route.

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a third of the walk.

Walk details: Slow Ways.