Four years ago Illya made a video about a bike ride which connected 13 sections of great single track starting in Aviemore and heading south to Feshiebridge. Sadly a massive storm at the end of 2023 resulted in many sections of woodland blowing over in this area. The destruction was so sad to see as it wiped out some ancient forest as well as many of the trails we loved cycling.
We’ve noticed however over the last year that a lot of forest work has been undertaken and we wondered if some of those trails are accessible again. Today we decided to explore and have a look.
The first leg through the Rothiemurchus estate and down the bothy run was fine. We were hopeful for the track called “Cake or Death” as the trees were cleared up to the wall. Unfortunately the clearance had wrecked the ground and it was impassible. The next few sections were all the same, paths still blocked and now overgrown from lack of use.
We did manage to access the path from Dalnavert to Feshiebridge and from Feshiebridge along the river to Ballintean with a beautiful lunch stop along the river in the sun.
We started our return along the Speyside way and were very happy to find the path through Inshriach woods was still very much intact despite the tree clearance.
Despite 4 of 13 of the sections of single track being no more we had a great day out exploring. And the good news is that I burned so many calories I can enjoy my dinner and some wine tonight !
Oh, and this is our route. Illya says it looks like a prancing goat.
Wee Van Tour 