The Wibbly-Wobbly Along The Spey

 

DISTANCE 4.49 km
TIME TAKEN 55 mins
AVERAGE SPEED 4.82 kmp
MIN ELEVATION 122 m
MAX ELEVATION 159 m

CATEGORY: Moderate. Figure of Eight walk - most is easy along Speyside Way but section returning to village is on uneven path close to River. Take care (not recommended for solo walking)

Your not likely to find this walk on any leaflets or walking web sites. It a “locals” walk well named the “Wibbly Wobbly” because of rather precarious path returning to the village right beside the River

Starting point is behind Norlaggan on the Speyside Way. Head west following marker posts until you reach the point where the Lour Burn joins the Spey. Don’t take the metal Bridge directly ahead but turn left to follow the Lour until you reach the “Wobbly” wooden bridge across the burn. Cross the bridge and continue on the Speyside. You will pass the football field which is used (mainly on Sundays) by the local team. Notice on the far side of the playing feel the carpark at the top, the path down and the natural “terracing” where spectators get a good view of the pitch.

It is rumoured that somewhere along this section of the Speyside Way Saint Drustan’s Cave can be found. I’ve never found it but perhaps you will. Notice on the right the wooded area known as “Downan’s Wood” which you will walk through on return. Deer can often be seen grazing in the wood perticularly at dawn and dusk. It is also home to an otherwise extinct snail and the wood itself is designation a “Sight Of Special Scientific Interest”

Treck on. You will pass several points where it looks possible to get down the hill on the right to the Dowans Wood path but although possible these paths can be rather slippery. You will come to a point (marked with a metal post with rounded point) which clearly gives access to the “Wibbly Wobbly)

Take care here. You made need to use our hands to steady yourself at certain points . . but the “Wibbly” doesn’t last long before you are on clearly defined path through the Dowan’s Wood. PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB ANY ROCKS OR FALLEN BRANCHES IN THE WOOD. It is actually a criminal offence to alter the environment on any way because of the snails (strange but true)

You will pass several fishing beats belonging to Kinermony Estate. Make sure anyone fishing has seen you before you walk behind them or even approach to close (or you may end up being hooked). Anglers will generally nod to confirm that they have seen you and it is polite to raise your hand in acknowledgement after you have passed them.

You will eventually arrive back at the small metal bridge mentioned earlier. Cross it and retrace your steps back to the wooden bridge but this time carry on along the side of the burn. You will come to a VERY old pack-horse bridge which makes a nice photo and then arrive back at the main road. (There is an option here to carry on to the Linn Falls which I will post details at a later date)

Turn right on to main road, pass the cemetery and Parish Hall (now a Dentists Surgery) and to the square with the impressive Aberlour Parish Church. There are several cafes and pubs if you feel like a refreshment before continuing along the High Street back to Norlaggan