Track Information
Distance: 5 miles
Grade: Easy
Start: Spey Bay, by the Wildlife Centre
Finish: The path arrives in Fochabers by coming under the A96 and along to the information board near the cricket pitch.
Circular options: There is a circular option within Warren Wood, using the forest road and the riverside track, otherwise no.
Terrain: Riverside and forestry tracks, some grassy path.
All abilities: No barriers, but a tricky section on top of the river embankment at the Birks where the track is squeezed between road and river. Can be by-passed by a short section on the B9104 – take care!
Other access points: Limited roadside parking available at the Birks. Also possible to access the route via the Garmouth Viaduct, from Garmouth.
B & B, Hotels and Guest Houses
Accommodation situated along this stage of the Speyside Way: COMING SOON
Useful Links and Information
Gallery
Other Tracks
- Section 1: Buckie to Spey Bay
- Section 2: Spey Bay to Fochabers
- Section 3: Fochabers to Craigellachie
- Section 4: Craigellachie to Ballindalloch
- Section 5: Ballindalloch to Grantown
- Section 6: Grantown to Nethy Bridge
- Section 7: Nethy Bridge to Boat of Garten
- Section 8: Boat of Garten to Aviemore
- Section 9: Tomintoul Spur Day – Ballindalloch to Tomintoul
Fochabers Community Woodland Walks
These local walks (shown on the map below) have been developed to allow you to enjoy and explore the local area and in particular to provide a viewpoint over the River Spey.
There are 3 main sections of paths that can be linked together, allowing you to explore the town; the short network of paths here next to the river and the Cricket ground, the loop around the edge of the Quarters Wood and the tracks adjacent to the Fochabers Burn which can be followed from here to the Caravan Site.
These paths also link with the Long Distance Speyside Way, which continues northward to its termination at Spey Bay and Buckie and southwards to Aviemore and Tomintoul (see adjacent notice board for further details.)
All the paths shown on the map are relatively level and well surfaced, but some sections can become muddy after rain. The trails are waymarked with small green arrows and while the routes are generally suitable for a range of abilities, the loop around the Quarters Wood and the section linking to the Caravan Site are not recommended for wheelchair users. Further details can be found below.
Walkers are welcome to exercise dogs on the Community Paths, but we would ask that you take great care to keep your dog under control and do not allow dogs to fould the paths. Please dispose of litter in the bins provided. Your help in collecting and disposing of any litter you see would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your co-operation and we hope you enjoy exploring the town.
The Walks
Return route from car park following the loop around the Quarters Wood: Approx. 1.6 miles (2.6km) allow 30 mins (Can be continued wouthwards on the Speyside Way)
Return route from car parks to Caravan Site: Approx. 2.5 miles (3.9km) Allow 1 hour
From car park to Spey Bay following Speyside Way northwards: Approx 4.5 miles (7.2km) Allow 2 hours
Commemorative Garden: Famous Fochaberians
A short walk up the river will take you to a viewpoint and commemorative garden. This is dedicated to “famous Fochaberians” – people with their roots, or strong connections with the Fochabers area, who have gone out into this world over the past two hundred years and made a significant contribution to their fellow man in their chosen field. Two impressive 7 feet high standing stones from the Quarry at Clasagh, Hopeman dominate the scene, framing the magnificent backdrop of the River Spey and the beautiful Dipple Pool beyond.
Acknowledgements: Andy Wells, The Crown Estate.