About Strathspey & Speyside · Part 4 of 7 Auf Deutsch
Hiking & Trails
The thing about hiking is that you have so many options! Do you prefer walking along rivers or lochs (the Scottish word for lakes), or do you want to see hills and mountains? Maybe you’re more of an easy woodland walker?
The clip is a short video on our YouTube channel “The Muccio’s”. It only loads from YouTube once you tap play. German version, the English clip is coming soon.
In this part, we’ll explore the options in and around Grantown. However, we won’t be writing about dangerous routes. For those, we suggest speaking to a professional guide or doing thorough research. It’s not that we don’t know where you could go, but we don’t want to be responsible if people take risks without proper preparation.
Anagach Woods, a hidden gem
Let’s start with the beautiful Anagach Woods, just a three-minute walk from Garden Park and Butterfly Cottage. This is one of the most stunning woodlands I have seen in Scotland, and I don’t say that just because I live in Grantown! Anagach offers wonderful walks along the River Spey as well as deep forest trails. The best part? It is one of the last ancient woodlands in the area. Here you’ll find Scots pine, red squirrels, fir, oak and birch trees.
For me, Anagach Woods also has an emotional connection. One section, Lady’s Wood, was owned by Lady Grant, the first owner of Garden Park. Every time I walk through, I find myself wondering: what have these trees seen over the years?
The trails here are versatile. One leads to Cromdale, or you can simply enjoy a peaceful walk through nature at your own pace. Just please remember to respect the wildlife and the environment.
Dava Way, walking an old train track
If you like historical walks, the Dava Way might be for you! This 40-mile trail follows an old railway line all the way to Forres, but you don’t have to walk the whole thing. A great option is walking to Lochindorb and visiting its castle ruins. A little off route, but worth it! (And if you want to know who lived there, read the tale of the Wolf of Badenoch.)
By the way, if you’re a runner: every November the Dava Ultra, “The Dava Way 50k”, takes place. We’ve had runners stay at Garden Park to easily reach the starting point. We even prepare packed lunches for them!
The Speyside Way, an iconic Scottish trail
Ever heard of the Speyside Way? Grantown is a perfect base to explore parts of this legendary route. You could walk to Nethy Bridge, enjoy a slice of cake with tea or coffee, and either walk back or catch a bus. If we have time, we might even pick you up!
Another great route heads towards Cromdale, or if you fancy a food stop, continue to the Feast at Tulchan, which I wrote about in the foodie part. The Speyside Way is unique because it takes you through a variety of landscapes: forests, rivers, fields and rocky terrain.
Loch Morlich, Scotland’s unexpected beach
If you love lochs, Loch Morlich is a must-visit. The first time I saw it, I thought: how did so much golden-brown sand end up in the mountains? It felt like the seaside, but with snow-capped peaks and pine trees in the background. The sand goes deep into the pine forest, amazing. If you like water, the coffee shop is also a surf school, why not give it a try?
There’s a big car park and a coffee shop, making it a great spot for a walk. Avoid Sundays if you prefer a quieter experience, as weekends can be quite busy. Walking around Loch Morlich is easy. If I (Daniel) can do it, anyone can! (I’m the worst walker you’ll ever meet.)
Culbin Forest, a coastal woodland adventure
Speaking of water and forests, Culbin Forest is another must-see. Situated near the coast between Nairn, Forres and Findhorn, this area offers a unique mix of history, dragonfly pools, Findhorn Bay, Buckie Loch, wildlife and even war memorials. I would describe it as a “forest for family fun”, ideal for exploring with loved ones!
Grantown History Trail, a local gem
At the end of the day, you don’t have to go far for a great walk. After a delicious breakfast, take a stroll along the Grantown History Trail, which shows off an 18th-century planned town. Along the way you’ll find charming shops, historical buildings and a mix of woodland, sightseeing and heritage sites. And guess what? Garden Park is part of the trail! If you visit the museum, they will tell you more about Lady’s Wood, Garden Park and Lady Grant.
What’s your favourite walk, and what would you suggest to us? If you post it on Facebook, tag us #gardenpark1868