11k Run Grantown-on-Spey: Scenic Loop by River Spey

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the serene beauty of the Cairngorms with this 10.5km loop through Anagach Woods. Perfectly flat and predominantly soft underfoot, this route is a haven for runners seeking a rhythmic, meditative session away from the asphalt. You’ll navigate a network of well-maintained forest tracks that wind through ancient Caledonian pine stands, eventually opening up to breathe in the fresh air along the banks of the River Spey. With only 22 meters of ascent, it is an ideal course for a fast tempo run or a recovery jog where the only distractions are the scent of pine needles and the occasional glimpse of a red squirrel.

Anagach Woods is a community-owned treasure located on the edge of the historic Georgian town of Grantown-on-Spey. This area is steeped in natural heritage; the woods are a protected site for the rare Capercaillie and offer a glimpse into the wild landscapes that once covered much of Scotland. As you transition onto the Speyside Way for your return leg, you are following one of Scotland’s Great Trails, a path traditionaly used by whisky distillers and highland travellers. After your run, local runners swear by the cafes in the town square for a post-workout refuel in the heart of the Strathspey valley.