River Feshie

The River Feshie rises in Glenfeshie Forest and flows east then north-west before joining the Spey near Kincraig. It begins in remote countryside and drops into Glen Feshie, often splitting into braided channels. Several burns tumble steeply from the Cairngorm plateau to feed its left bank near Balachroick. The river passes under the B970 at Feshiebridge before reaching the Spey after two and a half kilometres. Its name comes from Gaelic words meaning ‘boggy place’ and ‘pasture land’. Glen Feshie’s east side belonged to the Mackintoshes while the west was a Gordon hunting ground. In the late 18th century timber was floated down the river, leading to disputes over floodbanks. The Duke and Duchess of Bedford leased the Invereshie shootings in 1818 and turned parts of the glen into deer forests. In the 20th century the estate passed to the Dulverton family, then to Klaus Helmerson, and later to Anders Holch Povlsen who expanded it by buying Killiehuntly farm. Visitors find a wooded glen where the river winds between steep slopes. The braided channels shift with the seasons, creating gravel bars and pools. Ancient pinewoods line the valley sides, recognised for their age and ecological value. The B970 road crosses the river at Feshiebridge, giving access to both banks. From the bridge a path follows the water downstream towards Kincraig and the Spey.