Grantown-on-Spey paths
Alert
Grantown-on-Spey is set in magnificent countryside which can be explored by a network of seven paths and trails. There are gentle paths through the community-owned ancient Caledonian pinewoods of Anagach woods to the River Spey or you can head to the rougher, less trodden hill paths of Beachen wood.
Anagach Woods Trust and local estates work together to enhance the natural environment and preserve this haven for wildlife. Home to many creatures, the woods are especially important to the rare and endangered capercaillie, which feed on pine needles and its young feed on the insects found on the blueberry. To help protect these special birds, please follow any signage in the woods.
Beachen woods and viewpoint trails take you through natural and ancient woodland with Scots pine, birch, rowan, willow, hazel, aspen, and bird cherry trees. They follow narrow paths and forestry tracks with some steep gradients which can be rough and muddy underfoot.
For a longer walk or cycle the Speyside Way passes through Grantown-on-Spey, following it south to Nethy Bridge, or north through Anagach woods to Cromdale. The Dava Way also leaves Grantown-on-Spey and heads north across the Dava moor to Forres and the Moray coast.
Grantown-on-Spey is set in magnificent countryside which can be explored by a network of seven paths and trails. There are gentle paths through the community-owned ancient Caledonian pinewoods of Anagach woods to the River Spey or you can head to the rougher, less trodden hill paths of Beachen wood.
Anagach Woods Trust and local estates work together to enhance the natural environment and preserve this haven for wildlife. Home to many creatures, the woods are especially important to the rare and endangered capercaillie, which feed on pine needles and its young feed on the insects found on the blueberry. To help protect these special birds, please follow any signage in the woods.
Beachen woods and viewpoint trails take you through natural and ancient woodland with Scots pine, birch, rowan, willow, hazel, aspen, and bird cherry trees. They follow narrow paths and forestry tracks with some steep gradients which can be rough and muddy underfoot.
For a longer walk or cycle the Speyside Way passes through Grantown-on-Spey, following it south to Nethy Bridge, or north through Anagach woods to Cromdale. The Dava Way also leaves Grantown-on-Spey and heads north across the Dava moor to Forres and the Moray coast.
Alert
Quick resources
Paths and trails
Need to know
We hope you enjoy exploring the trails around Grantown-on-Spey, but please do so responsibly. The National Park is a special place with rare wildlife, some of which is sensitive to disturbance. You can help protect the local wildlife by following all signs and keeping dogs close by and on a lead where requested.
Please help conserve capercaillie in Anagach woods by keeping your dog on a short lead and on the path from April to mid-August. For alternative dog walking at this time of year why not explore the Beachen wood trails.
Towns and villages
Relevant alerts
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There are only 532 capercaillie left in the UK. Over 85% of those birds live in a handful of forests in the Cairngorms National Park.
The species is protected under UK law, which makes it a criminal offence to disturb them whilst they are breeding. Breeding season lasts from 1 April to 31 August. Capercaillie need all our help to survive so please #LekItBe and don't go looking for capercaillie.
Latest update: Some male birds are displaying in prominent places near to other breeding capercaillie to attract the attention of females. Visitors are advised to take particular care as birds may also attack you as their testosterone levels are high. There have already been incidents of people being injured by the birds so please follow the signs in place for your own safety too.
In particular, members of the public are being advised not to use the following paths into Abernethy Forest from Glenmore and Nethy Bridge during early mornings (before 8.30am) over the next few weeks to avoid disturbing breeding capercaillie:
- Ryvoan Bothy to Forest Lodge path
- Vehicle access track to Forest Lodge
- Dell Road to Forest Lodge track
- Forest Lodge to Rynettin path
Additional information:
