Walking, Cycling & Adventure Sports
Walking, Climbing and Cycling
Newtonmore is an excellent base for visiting the Cairngorms, Monadhliath ranges, Creag Meagaidh and even Ben Nevis. We provide guide books and walk descriptions for you to plan walks and exploration of the area. We do recommend that you take a map on all walks and be aware that the weather in the Scottish Highlands can change rapidly at any time of the year, so please take a variety of clothing.
For climbing please consult the UK Climbing website which lists all the local crags and mountains. The nearest hill to us is Creag Dubh which can be seen from the rear of Steading 5.
Newtonmore in the geographical centre of Scotland and has easy access to a great variety of walking including the multi user Speyside Way which allows for wheelchairs, infant buggies and cyclists. High level mountain tops of the CairnGorm mountain range, the open ground of the moors around Newtonmore or the wooded forest trails of Glenmore & Inshriach... you will be spoilt for choice. A full range of walks in the area can be seen on the Walkhighlands website.
Some of our favourite walks are:
- The Newtonmore Wildcat Trail Up to 10km signposted circular walk around the village. This walk can be accessed from our garden using our very own stile! It is a great introduction to the village and can be walked in short sections. This varied walk showcases the River Spey, Glen Banchor and wonderful views of the whole valley. The Wildcat centre in the Main Street of Newtonmore provides guides, souvenirs and will happily answer your walking or wildcat queries.
- Farleitter Crag and Uath Lochans 4km Forrestry Commission sign posted walk near Kincraig. This family friendly walk is well sign posted and has spectacular views of the mountains and the Uath Lochans. A perfect walk at any time of the year but ideal if the weather is a little inclement as it is under some magnificent pine trees. This is one of the best short walks in the Cairngorms in our opinion! There are two walking routes starting from the car park. The first is the Uath Lochans Trail, which is one-and-a-half miles and waymarked by white posts, and the second is the Farleitter Crag Trail, which is two-and-a-half miles and waymarked by red posts. Combine the two for an excellent two-to-three hour walk which is accessible for friends and family, regardless of experience. We like to take the Farleitter Crag Trail first. At the edge of the largest lochan, and after taking a moment to appreciate the view, you turn right into the tall pine forest, and continue on the trail. Keep an eye open for red squirrels. Continue on up a pleasant ascent and you’ll reach a huge boulder ( known to us as Spaldings Fell) and bench looking out over Strathspey. Then on to the postcard-perfect image, looking out over three Lochans and the forest. Descending back to the lochans, you’ll join the Uath Lochans trail, switching to white way markers. This is a lovely walk around the water leading back to the car park.
- Loch an Eilein, Rothiemurchus This very popular 7km circular walk around the famous Loch an Eilein and its ruined castle in the middle of the loch is not to be missed. The path is suitable for all abilities as it is fairly level and follows a circular route around the loch. A small visitor centre sells take away items such coffees, cold drinks and cakes or ice creams.
- Creag Bheag, Kingussie Circular walk along the Golf Course and up a smal hill for great views of Kingussie Golf Course, Ruthven Barracks and the whole of the Badenoch valley. This walk is accessed from a car park situated behibnd the Duke of Gordon Hotel in Kingussie. It is well sign posted and gives a great introduction to the local mountains.
Cycling
The Newtonmore area is a paradise for cycling, both road cycling and mountain biking. Suggested routes are
- Newtonmore - Glen Truim - Laggan - Newtonmore 19 miles
- Newtonmore – Laggan – Dalwhinnie – Newtonmore 32 miles
- Newtonmore – Kincraig - Insh – Kingussie – Newtonmore 21 miles
- Newtonmore – Aviemore – Newtonmore 30 miles
For mountain biking, there are trails at Wolftrax, Laggan and excellent mountain biking routes from the door in the Monadhliath mountains plus the Ardverikie, Glen Feshie and Rothiemurchus Estates.
Disclaimer
Walking, cycling and climbing can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is the individual's responsibility to check the route and navigate using a map and compass if walking or climbing. Please be aware that the weather conditions can change very quickly in the Highlands.