River Spey and Woodland Circuit, Boat of Garten

Start at the layby just west of the Spey bridge, beyond the golf club. Walk back toward the village and turn left for Dalvoult, past two houses and over a cattle grid. The track drops across open fields, where cattle may be grazing, then passes a gate and birch woodland. Ignore the left branch to Wester Dalvoult.

The path then follows the broad river, with the Cairngorms ahead and a bench beside the water. Ospreys hunt along this stretch, though sightings are never guaranteed. At the riverside bench, put the water in the foreground with the mountains beyond; it gives the view more depth than a photo aimed straight across the river.

When the fishing hut appears, turn right through the gate and cattle grid, uphill toward Kinchurdy Farm. Keep right between the barn and old farmhouse, then follow the track past cottages. At the Speyside Way junction, stay on the track under the railway rather than taking the path left. At the staggered crosspaths, go straight for Community Hall and continue into the pines.

At the next forest junction turn right for Community Hall, then right again for Kinchurdy Road. Before reaching the road, turn left at the wire-fence corner and pass Creag Bheag, a small rocky outcrop with a bench and a Cairngorm view. The signed path for Deshar Road takes you by Fairy Hill; its large cairn and bench make a rest stop, but trees hide the wider view. Follow the main path past the pump track, through the village to the main road, then turn right past the shop and under the railway to the layby.

Expect livestock in the fields and close the gates behind you. Dogs are allowed; keep them short-leashed in capercaillie-sensitive woodland from 1 April through 31 August. Parking is at the starting layby; its capacity and any fees are not documented. For a shorter outing, the 4 km (2.5-mile) Salmon Trail starts at Station Square, but it is a separate loop with a different route and start.