TREES The Trail links several areas of new and well-established plantations and passes through natural woodland. Trees to be seen include Alder Ash Aspen Birch Gean Goat Willow Hazel Holly Larch Lodge Pole Pine Oak Rowan Scots pine Spruce Willow RIVERS The Trail takes you along the banks of three different rivers or burns: The Spey The Spey is arguably the longest river in Scotland (if the Firth of Tay is discounted from the length of the Tay) and certainly one of the most dynamic rivers in the United Kingdom. It is swifter and cleaner than most rivers in Europe. The whole river is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because it contains four species which are rare in Britain: the otter, salmon, sea lamprey and fresh water pearl mussel Human beings have made few attempts to channel the river’s flow, although it has been used by humans for travel and transport, particularly of wood, and goods. The Spey section of the Trail passes along wide gravel-wash banks and meadows, which in early summer are thick with orchids and other wildflowers. There are sandy stretches as well as grassy and gravel banks. The Calder The Calder is a tributary of the Spey, which rises in the Monadhliath. Part of the Wildcat Trail passes through the river gorge which forms its route before it joins the Spey at Speybridge. Salmon can be seen leaping in the early spring. The river is very dynamic and rip-rap work has been carried out to protect surrounding fields. The Allt Laraidh A smaller tributary, again rising in the Monadhliath. The Trail passes the attractive Allt Laraidh Falls, bordered by flat stones which makes an ideal picnic spot. Below the Falls is an area of meadows where many primroses can be seen in the spring.

The Path Road and rail access Current Conditions Access for the Disabled Dogs Wildlife/Wildflowers Trees/Rivers Newtonmore – Accommodation, Facilities The Wildcat Centre Events Newtonmore Community Woodland & Development Trust Home Contact us