Review
'Cicerone Press demonstrates sound judgement in choosing this Cairngorm Club member, and a stalwart of the Scottish Rights of Way Society, as author of their guidebook. Sandy spent his early years in Moray, and more recently has enjoyed researching the history of this area. He leads us from Buckie on the Moray Firth to Aviemore as well as on the spurs to Dufftown and Tomintoul. Each chapter is clearly laid out with distance, height gained, time required, car parking and facilities encountered. There are small maps for each section, but the reader is encouraged to use the official map or the relevant Ordnance Survey ones. The author provides a concise historical perspective which brings to life the past and present occupants of the area. We learn of the large-scale salmon industry in the nineteenth century, using the old ice house at Tugnet and the development of Kingston as a shipbuilding and timber exporting centre. Many bridges of differing construction are described, and contemporary accounts of 'the muckle spate' of 1829 show the enormous destructive power of the Spey and its tributaries. Growth and decline of villages en route are explained in relation to agricultural and commercial developments, and visitor centres nearby are clearly indicated. Sandy shares his enthusiasm of vistas to the hills and mountains, and indicates flora and fauna to be seen by the observant walker or cyclist. The many distilleries may provide an incentive for some to travel this route, and there is a separate chapter on whisky production. This is a book to encourage us to open our eyes to the many delights of the Speyside Way, and to appreciate so much that we may not have noticed while driving to the Cairngorms. At 18 by 12cm, it is a good size for the pocket and is light enough to be carried to enliven the journey.' (Hazel White, Cairngorm Club Journal 2004)
Product Description
Leading from the coast at Spey Bay and Buckie and covering 80 miles as it follows the majestic Spey through to Aviemore, the Speyside Way is an introduction to one of the most beautiful and interesting parts of Scotland. Not primarily a test of endurance, the way passes through fishing villages, arable and then livestock farms, through the heartland of the Scotch whisky industry and then into the wilder northern Cairngorms before stopping (officially) at Aviemore, with access to a wide range of summer and winter activities and sports. With its long history, wildlife, liquid industries and sports, the Spey is expected to become a Special Area of Conservation, and deservedly so. "The Speyside Way" guide gives an introduction to the region and the trail. Signposting is good and the official Harvey's map is an important aspect of the guide, which concentrates on the many and varied features on and around the route. And because Speyside, more than anywhere else, is the home of the Scottish whisky industry, the book has an appendix introducing this most pleasing subject.
