Aviemore, Carrbridge, Slochd

12 miles

We then reach Aviemore which gives access to the Cairngorms and is the main holiday resort in the district with it’s fine array of hotels, shops and restaurants. It is also the home of the Strathspey railway. Three miles North of Aviemore we bear left where signposted and travel on to Carrbridge. Here we find the Landmark Forest Adventure Park and the oldest stone bridge in the highlands (Packhorse Bridge), built in 1717 and badly damaged in 1829. The village plays host to two annual competitions- The Golden Spurtle Porridge Making Championship and the Scottish Chainsaw Carving Competition.
Two miles north of Carrbridge, immediately before joining the new road, turn right to Slochd which is set in a mountain pass. The Gaelic name is Sloc Nam Meirlach (the thieves pit or den). This part of the road is 2½ miles long and takes us over the railway and under the thundering traffic on the new road, simultaneously.