Viewpoint Trail, Grantown-on-Spey

The Viewpoint Trail is a 3.25-mile circular walk from The Square in Grantown-on-Spey. It follows town streets to the old railway path, climbs through woodland to a stone viewpoint indicator, then returns by the former railway line. Allow about two hours. The payoff is a set of open looks back over Grantown and the surrounding hills; the first part of the walk is street access, and the climb is steeper than the distance suggests.

From The Square, follow the town route toward Seafield Avenue and the caravan park, cross the small bridge, then join the old railway line. After roughly 150 metres, take the signed path uphill. It winds through woodland and between fences, with long steep sections, steps, narrow kissing gates and rough, rocky ground that can be wet underfoot. An optional stile detour reaches a seat with a view back over town and the Cairngorms; another seat looks toward the Cromdale Hills.

The final stop is a clearing with benches and a stone view indicator. On a clear day, use it to pick out the hills around Grantown. The descent passes Scots pines and drops below a crag beside a fence, then follows a farm track past houses to the old railway. Turn back toward town along the Dava Way, the former railway corridor, through a deep cutting above the caravan park. Juniper also grows in the mixed woodland along the route.

Dogs are allowed under Scotland’s outdoor access rules; keep them in sight and under control, especially near the farm section. The route starts at The Square, but no dedicated trail car park, parking capacity or on-route toilet or water point was verified. The final cairn is the best photo stop: frame its stone indicator with Grantown and the hills behind it.