This requires a short drive north of the Cairngorms, but well worth it for a bit of variety.

 

You'll need OS Map 27 for this ride.

 

Drive north out of Grantown on Spey on the A939, passing the turn for Lochindorb and bearing left for Nairn at the junction with the A940.

Take the next left across the moors, cross the B9007 and park at the layby and picnic area at Dulsie Bridge.

The picnic area is lovely and a walk around the back of it offers great views of the river and bridge.

 

From the carpark, cycle down the hill and over the bridge.  Continue up the hill and then turn left for Drynachen.  This is a lovely (very) undulating road with wonderful views of the hills and river Findhorn.

 

When you get to Drynachen, take the steep climb through the forest, leading onto open moors.  A good hill, this one!

 

Continue across the moors until dropping down to the road junction at Balmore.  You get some great views of the Moray Firth and the Black Isle on this section.

 

For the short version of the ride, turn right here to return to Dulsie Bridge.

For the longer version, turn left and continue until a right turn takes you to Tomcluich.

At the next junction turn right and continue to the farm named "Achavraat".  Just after this is a right turn to Newlands of Knockaneorn.  Take this turn.

This hill climbs and climbs, with more views (over your shoulder) of the Moray Firth, before coming to a road junction.

Turn left here and return to Dulsie Bridge.