Explore: Aviemore’s local cycle routes

With more than fifty excellent trails of varying length and terrain, the area around Aviemore is a cyclist’s dream. In celebration of World Bicycle Day, we asked an Aviemore local to describe their top 5 routes…

 1. An Slugan

Grade intermediate.  Do not be put off by the name “the slug”. This is a varied circuit about 7 miles long that takes up to about 3 hours. The starting point is Inverdruie and covers paths, tracks, and quiet roads. Follow the old logging way cycle path alongside the B970 towards Coylumbridge. Use the pavement to pass the campsite then return to the cycle path at the top of the hill. Take care crossing the road then continue along the cycle path crossing the access track to the Cairngorm sled dog centre. Continue along the old logging way then keep left alongside the access road for the Badaguish outdoor centre. The route continues alongside the road towards Badaguish, turn left at the first junction and follow the forest track which climbs a little to the top of An Slugan. Just over the top of the hill keep right at the junction then pass through a gate, from here the track turns into a rough path in places as it descends through beautiful pine woods towards Milton. Pass through a gate to reach the B970, turn left and follow the road south towards Coylumbridge passing the picturesque Loch Pityoulish after a mile. At Coylumbridge turn right and join the old logging way to return to Inverdruie.

2. Loch Einich

Grade long. This is a varied but relatively easy ride with a dramatic setting in the heart of the Cairngorm mountains. Start at Inverdruie and follow the old logging way cycle path alongside the B970 towards Coylumbridge. Just before the campsite turn right along the track passing the ruined Lairig Ghru cottage. Lairig Ghru means Pass of Druie. Pass through two gates then keep right at the next junction and continue along the track climbing steadily past Bennyside Cottage. At the top of the hill there are wonderful views across Rothiemurcus towards the mountains. Pass through two more gates then keep straight on at the next junction past Lochan Deo. From here the track starts to climb steadily towards Gleann Einich. At the next junction keep left and follow the smaller path near to the river, this joins the main track after a mile and avoids a steep hill. Once back on the main track take care crossing the ford, particularly if the burn is in spate. Use the bridge to cross Am Beanaidh and continue along the track crossing a second ford. From here, the glen starts to narrow and the hills rise steeply on both sides. The last two miles to the loch are relatively flat with just one small ford to cross. Return by the same route. Allow up to four hours; the distance is 17 miles.

3. Speyside Way

Grade easy. This is a popular ride along part of the Speyside Way and National Cycle Route 7 with fine views of the Cairngorms. The distance is just under 10 miles which will take about 3 hours. Start at the Old Bridge Inn and travel north up Dalfaber Road passing the Strathspey Steam Railway yard on the left-hand side. Follow the National Cycle Route 7 signs through the houses along Dalnabay, Dalfaber Drive and Spey Avenue leading to the golf course. Continue straight on here along the well-maintained path, ignoring smaller paths on either side. Soon after leaving the shelter of Woodland there are magnificent views towards the Cairngorm mountains. After a further mile the path descends into Woodland, pass through a gate, and turn left along a track. Pass under the railway bridge then turn right past The Yard cottage and follow the track into Boat of Garten. There are several options to return to Aviemore, you can either retrace your outward route or climb aboard the Strathspey Steam Railway. The telephone number is 01479 810725.  

4. Loch an Eilein

Grade easy. A varied route following paths and tracks around one of the most picturesque lochs in Scotland passing through the Caledonian pine trees of Rothiemurcus. The distance is just under 7 miles and the time is one to two hours. Start at Inverdruie and proceed along the old logging way cycle path towards Coylumbridge for a few 100 metres. Turn right along a minor road signed Black Park. When the road turns sharp left keep straight on along a track and pass Loch an Eilein Croft and Cairn Valley. Turn left at the minor road, then left once more on a track alongside Loch an Eilein. Continue past Forest Cottage and just before the 2nd gate turn left along a track signed to the Lairig Ghru. Keep left at the next junction, then straight on passing to the left of Lochan Deo. At the next junction turn sharp left on the path towards Coylumbridge, a short excursion to the right leads to the Cairngorm Club Footbridge, a great place for a picnic. Just before Coylumbridge turn left along the old logging way to return to Inverdruie.

5. The Old Logging Way

Grade easy. This route is about 15 miles long and takes approximately 4 hours. It is an easy ride along the old logging way to Loch Morlich, Glenmore and the Ryvoan Pass. Start at Inverdruie and follow the old logging way cycle path alongside the B 970 towards Coylumbridge. Use the pavement to pass the campsite then return to the cycle path. At the top of the hill take care crossing the road then continue along the cycle path crossing the access track to the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre. Keep left alongside the access road for Badaguish Outdoor Centre then cross the road to continue along the cycle path. Turn right at the track junction heading towards Loch Morlich, just before the ski road turn left along the cycle path to reach Glenmore. Then pass the Visitor Centre and Reindeer Centre to join the road towards Glenmore Lodge. Turn immediately left to join a cycle path which ends opposite the Lodge. From here turn left and continue along the track to reach An Lochan Uaine, the green loch. Return to Inverdruie by the outward route.

Enjoy!

*banner photo credit: Bothy Bikes, Aviemore