{"id":22994,"date":"2023-01-16T13:06:24","date_gmt":"2023-01-16T12:06:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=18649"},"modified":"2023-01-16T17:36:57","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T16:36:57","slug":"bike-ride-strathspey-highland","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/bike-ride-strathspey-highland\/","title":{"rendered":"Bike ride: Strathspey, Highland"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By countryfile\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 16 January 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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For five years, Monarch of the Glen <\/em>brought some of TV\u2019s best-known names to our screens on a Sunday evening, Richard Briers, Susan Hampshire and Tom Baker among them. But one of the biggest stars of the show was the Scottish countryside. Filmed around Badenoch and Strathspey, the heartwarming drama was set against a stunning backdrop of mountains, glens and lochs.<\/p>\n

Loosely based on the novels of Compton Mackenzie, the series followed the trials and tribulations of Archie MacDonald as he struggled to turn around the ailing fortunes of his family\u2019s Highland estate. Although the series ended in 2005 after 64 episodes, the adventures of the MacDonald clan still draw people to this beautiful corner of Scotland.<\/p>\n

Looking for more days out in Scotland? Check out our guide to Scotland\u2019s best walks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Stop and view the Packhorse Bridge at Carrbridge\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Strathspey bike ride<\/h2>\n

52 miles\/85km | 766m accent | 6\u20138 hours | challenging\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Carrbridge to Inverdruie<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Begin in Carrbridge. Here the village hall made several appearances as Glenbogle village hall. More than 100 years old, it sits at the heart of the community and has hosted a range of events, including the annual World Porridge Championships<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Head east from Carrbridge on the A938 to Dulnain Bridge, then follow the A95 south to Broomhall station. Northern terminus of the preserved Strathspey Steam Railway, the halt witnessed many arrivals and departures as Glenbogle station.<\/p>\n

From Broomhill, a minor road leads south to Nethy Bridge, joining the B970 to Coylumbridge and Inverdruie. If you fancy stretching your legs, make the short detour south to Loch an Eilein, which made a brief appearance in the first series of Monarch. There is a fine circuit around the loch, with views of its island castle.<\/p>\n

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Enjoy a diversion to Loch an Eilein in Strathspey\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

2. Inverdruie to Newtonmore<\/h4>\n

At the southern end of Aviemore, the B970 joins the B9152 to Kingussie and Newtonmore. The road passes Kincraig, invaded by the Bank of England Harley Davidson Club in episode seven of the first series, and the Highland Wildlife Park, which provided the wolves for Archie MacDonald\u2019s zoo venture.<\/p>\n

Two miles on, 18th-century Balavil House was home to Lord Kilwillie \u2013 in real life it is a B&B. Kingussie and Newtonmore both appeared in the show, as did Ruthven Barracks, a mile south of Kingussie.<\/p>\n

Discover more stunning castles<\/h4>\n

From the ravens of the Tower of London, to remote medieval ruins, Britain\u2019s sprawling castles retain a sense of heritage in our cities and countryside \u2013 our guide to Britain\u2019s best castles.<\/p>\n