The Spey Valley is rich in walks and from Kingussie there are walks for all abilities.  You will find long walks, short walks, low level walks and high walks.  All take you into some of Britain’s most beautiful unspoiled countryside.

 

 A few short easy walks are described here but there are many many more and most accommodation providers will have books, leaflets and local maps to give you more choice.

 

Insh Marshes, a 2000 acres area between Kincraig and Kingussie, owned by the RSPB have many nature trails.  Two hour guided walks are led each Thursday from April til August or pick up the RSPB Around Insh Marshes leaflet from the Information Viewpoint and discover the flora and fauna for yourself.   RSPB car park and information point is on the B970 just past Ruthven Barracks.  (for further information on RSPB, see  Birdwatching and  What’s On)

 
Insh Church taken by Matthew Burrow

A varied and scenic 16 km footpath through woodlands is The Badenoch Way.  Starting at Ruthven Barracks, Kingussie the path meanders through the RSPB Insh Marshes to the River Tromie and passes the historic Insh Church and the village of Kincraig.  Leaflets describing this walk are available locally.

                                                                                                                                                                       


(picture taken by Matthew Burrow)          

                                                                                                                                                                               

At Newtonmore – 3 miles to the south – there is another excellent walking centre including access to five Munros from Glen Banchor.  The Wildcat Trail is a 10km circular path surrounding Newtonmore with associated radial walks of varied length and difficulty, all clearly marked. http://www.newtonmore.com

 

For more experienced walkers, longer and higher treks to Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve, the Cairngorms www.CairnGormMountain.com Glen Feshie, Glen Tromie or through the Lairig Ghru can be made.

 

A selection of short afternoon or evening walks from Kingussie:

Kingussie Walks Leaflet (walks.pdf)

Picture taken by Matthew Burrow
                                                                                                                                    

  Walk 1   

 

      *  Proceed up Gynack Road to the bridge at the old tweed mill.  Cross here to the other side of the River

 

*  At the top of the steps fork right and go along Ardbroilach Road towards the Town

 

*  This walk can be lengthened by turning left at the top of the steps.  Then proceed through the birchwood, turn right when path meets Ardboilach Road

 

 Walk 2

      *     Follow Ardbroilach road as far as the Golf Course and continue to the end of the plantation.  Go up to the 15th tee on the right hand side of the road for a spectacular view of the Cairngorms.  Return the way you have come or proceed to the bridge at Pitmain Lodge and then return.    

 

Walk 3

 

*       Take Ruthven Road and proceed over the railway level crossing.  Continue along road and over the River Spey.  You will see the pitch of Kingussie Shinty (called the Dell) on the right. 

*       Proceed past Ruthven Farmhouse and Steadings to the ruins of Ruthven barracks.