Lisa & Rob’ s airbnb experience with Jim
on The Speyside Way
When Lisa contacted me in August to book a day’s guided biking for her and her partner Rob I did not imagine that the scenery would be quite SO different in October. But then I had not expected the flooding that hit Scotland at the start of the month.
The challenging weather and trail conditions did not affect Lisa and Rob one bit and they were lovely guests to ride with around Anagach Woods, the River Spey and down the Speyside Way to Nethybridge. We all shared an enjoyment of being active in the outdoors and of course the responsibility that comes with this.
tasty snacks are a must on days like these
As usual I was able to stock up on some tasty and interesting trail snacks from our local wholefood stores right here in Grantown on Spey. Chocolate covered raisins, Turkish Delight and bitter dark chocolate worked well in our stem bags.
the River Spey
The Monday before I took this photograph you would have been riding well above the wheel hubs of your bike, or detouring quite a bit into the fields. Lots of rubble and erosion is now left though and this will all take time to settle down, or be made good.
near the old saw mill, Castle Grant
Rob enjoys some low sunlight as we ride through Castle Grant estate before lunch.
enjoying the sun and shade
Lisa organises her bike gear near the old saw mill, Castle Grant estate.
one of the best places for lunch here
The sun came out again just in time for a delicious lunch at our local bakery.
extensive flooding is still in evidence
After lunch we discussed our options now that the weather had deteriorated into more prolonged and stronger northwesterly squalls. The ride to Nethy Bridge on the flat, Speyside Way would be into some of the weather but the route I proposed back would be a little more protected and benefit from a tailwind at times. The three of us were surprised at how much water was still lying in the Strath here, at some points it looked at least 5 feet high!
the butcher shop, Nethybridge
Although we didn’t buy any meat from the butchers in Nethybridge Lisa and Rob both agreed how lucky we are here to have a great choice of local places to get fresh produce. They did enjoy the wee gift shop and were able to pick up some more small gifts for folks at home.
Craigmore Woods
After a walk around Castle Roy we started the short climb into Craigmore Woods. Often on days like this the efforts of making progress uphill are a great way of warming up. The climb did not go on too long though before one of the best sections of downhill singletrack of the day before rejoining the Speyside Way back to Grantown on Spey.
our ride ended back in Grantown on Spey
Here are Lisa and Rob outside the art gallery at the Square after our ride around some of the beautiful trails and interesting local businesses here in Grantown on Spey.
Thanks to both of you for being such wonderful guests!
We visited, or sampled produce from:
Spey Bank art gallery and shop
