This section is a total contradiction to the “desolation” of the previous section and will be guaranteed to raise your enthusiasm for the route.
Back
The road passes through Dalwhinnie and the first of the three distilleries on the route, this one is open to the public.
The A889 road goes around the distillery then turns off to the right signposted, The North and Crubenmore. This piece of road was a joy to cycle on, a good surface, a tail wind and hardly any traffic. The unfortunate thing about this road is that the farther along you go the closer you get to the noisy, traffic laden A9.
A low flying Tornado shattered the peace and quiet. The pilot demonstrating “agricultural flying”, flew low heading for Lossiemouth, the roar of the jet engines momentarily drowning out the traffic from the A9. Only saw two Tornados today, wonder what the rest of the squadron is doing at this time… probably driving out of the camp gate in their sports cars.
Near the junction of the A9 the old military road can be seen crossing the River Truim over a elegant and functional arched bridge. A small lay-by nearby has some information boards, do not know what they are about as the lettering is very weathered.
Turn left just before the A9 onto a rather splendidly surfaced footpath, before joining the traffic-free old A9 road. After an uncharacteristic straight section the road comes out at the junction for Inverhavon Holiday Park and Glentruim, cross over and continue along the path.
After a short length of road you come out on the slip road for the Railia Lay-by, toilets and Tourist Information Centre. A confusing sign directs cyclists to cross the slip road and use the cycle lane to the right side of the slip road. Just how anyone can justify crossing a slip road to cycle along the “wrong” side of a road, as a safe alternative beats me. At the bottom cyclists should then go onto a piece of footpath before crossing back to the left – too complicated and too much wasted effort
Come up to the main road off the A9 for Newtonmore and turn left heading downhill towards the town which will be seen in the distance. Follow the main road through the town heading towards Kingussie.
If you are looking for accommodation, I can recommend the Newtonmore Hostel, just after the junction with the A86. Immediately after the hotel on the left is a Craigellachie House, the hostel is at the back of the house. There is even a discount for cyclists!