National Cycle Network NCN7 Scotland Strathspey, Newtonmore, Boat of Garten, Carrbridge

Part of a series covering cycling in the highlands of Scotland - Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 7 Lochs and Glens North (Glasgow - Inverness). Watch for new sections as they get added. The routes are all done as return trips so you can see the conditions and scenery in both directions and are intended to give you a feel for the route, gradient and surface - as well as showcasing the beautiful scenery.

The penultimate stage of National Cycle Route 7 Lochs and Glens North - The Strathspey Stage - Newtonmore to Carrbridge – around 60 miles round trip.

Considering this is right in the heart of the highlands – the route is pretty flat keeping mainly about 40m either side of 250m. There is a choice of route in a couple of places just to provide some extra variety one of which adds another 50m or so to the max height. The route is mainly on quietish roads with a little cycle track and some off road options. There are short sections of road which are busy and fast.

We’re starting at the Highland Folk museum on the road north just out of Newtonmore and we are quickly off that main road (A86) into a nice cycle track for a mile or so into Kingussie, where we take a right, crossing the railway at the level crossing and then the River Spey before heading down past the Ruthven barracks – then a slight climb up to a few miles of mainly elevated road with really nice views over Strathspey and the Monadhliath Mountains There’s a wee dip down to Feshbiebridge at the 10 mile mark , a favourite spot with canyoners. Then more of the same – the road goes through a mix of wooded cover, some more elevated views of Strathspey and fine open farmland.

At the 16 mile mark we reach Rochiemurchas and Inverdruie where we have a choice of on-road on the east bank of the Spey or off road to the west through Aviemore. The Aviemore direction is pretty rough (Sustrans call it variable surface) especially at the Boat of Garten end. Taking the more scenic easterly route via Coylumbridge takes us past Loch Pityoulish another really nice spot before taking a left across to the west bank of the Spey into Boat of Garten at 23 miles. The Boat Hotel here is good for a refreshment and toilet stop. This is where we start our climb towards Carrbridge – around 120m climb if you take the off road option, half that if you take the road.

A word about that – At the A95 there is a cycle track that avoids the worst of the road junction and then you are on the road (B9153) into Carrbridge. It can be fast and busy… or alternatively cross the A95 and straight up the farm track and over the hill. On streetview this has a NCN 7 sign, but on this day – early August 2016, it’s gone. Could be its not official route any more… it has dropped off the online sustrans map aside from a floating yellow triangle - It’s very rough in places – you’d need a mountain bike or fat bike to confidently tackle this with no walking. Best views of the day though when you get to the top. Down the other side of the hill you have the option of continuing off road into Carrbridge (Plantation Trail) or baling out half way onto the road about a mile short of the town. I took the road having been shaken enough.

Watch out if you take the off road route southbound to Aviemore – there are some turns that are easy to miss. I did and ended up in field with nowhere to go. See comment stream with mightymog100 - that path is 'stunning'

Cycled with a Specialized Tricross with 32c Marathon Plus tyres.
GoPro Hero 4 Silver, 1080 wide, protune, gopro . Additional material Lumix TZ60 and Lx100

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