9k Run Charlestown: Scenic Journey Along the Speyside Way

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 9.2km out-and-back journey along the Speyside Way offers a remarkably flat and accessible experience for runners of all abilities. Starting near the iconic Victoria Bridge in Charlestown of Aberlour, the path follows a beautifully maintained, mostly paved section of the defunct Great North of Scotland Railway line. With a negligible ascent of just 23 meters, it is an ideal course for a tempo run or a steady recovery session. You will follow the gentle curves of the River Spey toward Carron Bridge, enjoying a smooth surface that allows you to lock into your rhythm while surrounded by birch woodlands and the soothing sounds of one of Scotland’s most famous fly-fishing rivers.

Runners in Aberlour are immersed in the heart of Speyside, a region world-renowned for its malt whisky heritage and lush Highland landscapes. As you traverse this stretch of the Speyside Way, you are literally running through the "Golden Postcode" of distilling; the crisp air often carries the malty scent from nearby Mash Tuns. The route finishes back in the village, where local landmarks like the Aberlour Distillery and the Victorian-era Penny Bridge await. It is a quintessential Scottish running experience that blends industrial railway history with the tranquil natural beauty of the Moray countryside.