Location: Aviemore
Location: Aviemore
Map: OS Landranger 35, 36
Distance: 32 miles (51km)
Time: 6-7 hours (including breaks)
Terrain: hilly; good tracks, cyclepaths, road sections
Taking in the eastern edge of the Monadhliath plateau this fine, non-technical trip requires a considerable initial climb but with just rewards. These begin with extensive views over Strathspey to the Cairngorms before a remote and scenic stretch by the River Dulnain and a varied return.
From Aviemore head south along the B9152, turning right on to the A9 to access Lynwilg. Follow the road round to the right and keep climbing to commence the 480m ascent up the Burma Road, which soon becomes a well-surfaced track. Three miles (5km) later you’ll reach the highpoint probably wishing you were doing the route in reverse for the superb descent. That, of course, is an option but the way ahead presents few hills.
Descend, joyously, to cross the Dulnain and pedal downstream where the track narrows after a house. Further on, a bridge leads over a burn before a fork (left is best) leads to a memorial. When low it’s possible to ford the river here to reach Dalnahaltnach but otherwise carry on to meet General Wade’s military road by Insharn. From there cycle along National Route 7, passing golden-leaved birch trees, to reach Carrbridge.
Continuing, a more exerting off-road section of Route 7 is followed, through woods, for Boat of Garten. The return crosses the Spey to follow the signed on-road Route 7 via Coylumbridge, though there is a harder off-road option.
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