Scotland and Derbyshire Easter 2025: Days 4 & 5

Day 3 (Monday) 
After a relaxing morning, I walked the rest of the Wild Cat Trail. This time, I left the van parked in Glen Banchor and walked into the village to rejoin the trail where I finished yesterday. The route took me along the other side of Newtonmore and followed the River Spey until I reached the main road again. The landscape was different from yesterday (less of a view of the mountains) but it made for a pleasant contrast.
Stepping stones and an unusual bridge over a stream
New born lambs
The River Spey

Once across the main road, the path continued along the River Calder. Partway along, there was a sign saying the path was closed and directing walkers to follow an alternative route. I tried to find the diversion but realised it would take me quite a bit out of my way, and I was keen to head back to my van, which wasn’t actually too far away. As I checked the AllTrails app to figure out the best option, a woman suddenly called out to me. I was worried she was going to say I couldn’t continue, but instead she told me to ignore the closure sign — that the path narrowed but was still walkable. I felt a bit conflicted, but I took her advice, and she was right — it was fine. Still, in hindsight, I wish I’d stuck to my original plan. Too many people using a path that’s meant to be closed can cause more damage, and I feel a bit guilty about that.
The River Calder

The closed path


Day 5 (Tuesday)

This morning, I needed to take J to the doctor’s in Kingussie, so while I was waiting, I went for a short walk. I didn’t follow any particular route — just used the AllTrails app to pick up footpaths and make my own way.




After lunch, I decided to climb the hill I could see near where the van was parked. It’s called Creag Bheag, which confused me at first because I walked up a hill with the same name in Kingussie last year. Apparently, it means “Small Rock” — so I guess it’s just a generic name for small hills that haven’t earned one of their own!

The walk began on what I’ve learned is called a double track, which made for an easy start. It then narrowed into a path through heather and gorse — still easy to follow, although not always easy to see far ahead. The path led all the way to the summit, where I was treated to beautiful views across the glen. I did a circular walk, once again using the AllTrails app to guide me down.



The view from the top of Creag Bheag

The view from the top of Creag Bheag


It was a lovely little walk — only about two miles, but it felt like more!

In the evening, I met up with J and his friend for dinner at The Balavoulin Restaurant in Aviemore. I had the haggis and black pudding pizza — delicious! I’d parked my van in the church car park in Newtonmore so I could have a drink without worrying about driving later.

We had planned to head to the Balavil Hotel afterwards, but it was closed, so we tried the Highlander Hotel instead. It seemed to attract an older crowd, but it was a nice, quiet spot for a drink. We asked if they had any playing cards, but they only had dominoes — so we gave that a go!


Overnight stop in the church car park

Haggis and black pudding pizza

Dominoes and a pint




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