Exploring Glen Feshie Wildlife Paradise on a Bike

On a sunny morning, cyclists traverse the picturesque pine forests along the western banks of Glen Feshie, a region marked by both commercial plantations and remnants of the ancient Caledonian forest. Once devastated by extensive logging during the wars, the area was left barren by the mid-1940s. However, over the past 25 years, new estate management practices, including controversial deer culls, have facilitated a remarkable regeneration of native trees such as Scots pine, birch, and juniper. The lifeblood of the glen is the river, which originates in the southern hills and meanders through the landscape, eventually merging with the River Spey. The cycling route follows a glacial trough characterized by river terraces and alluvial fans. As the valley widens, the Feshie becomes increasingly braided and unpredictable, often flooding and altering its course. This dynamic environment, combined with the resurgence of tree cover, creates a unique habitat for diverse wildlife, including rare insects, trout, and Atlantic salmon. The historical presence of crofters and shooting clients is giving way to a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts, including walkers, birdwatchers, and swimmers. A popular local spot known as “the pony bridge” features a narrow passage through boulders, leading to a deep pool ideal for summer swimming. The river, shaped over millennia, continues to flow with water that has never taken this path before, symbolizing the ongoing cycle of nature’s renewal.