All rights reserved. It offers a mostly easy and well signposted walk that passes through some of Scotland’s most varied and beautiful scenery. Although production at the distillery got under way in the very recent past, the history of the distillery and the dynasty behind SPEY spans more than two centuries. Email: info@easyways.com A prominent characteristic of the Speyside Way is the 50 or so single malt whisky distilleries in the area (out of 100 in Scotland) including Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Macallan, Tamdhu, Aberlour and others. Overnight Ballindalloch. By embracing the Whisky Trail that conveniently runs through Speyside, the walk also offers an opportunity to visit a number of distilleries in the region. The race is approx. This is the hardest (and most spectacular) section of the Speyside Way. You can find out more and how best to get to and around the region by visiting the Moray Speyside Tourism website and find more great things to do in the area by browsing these 12 top things to do in Moray Speyside. For the full route guidelines, please click here. First opened in 1981, it is one of Scotland’s Official Long Distance Walks – extending 65miles (105km) with the option of interesting spurs to Dufftown (4miles / 6.5km) and Tomintoul (15miles / 24km) making the total distance 84miles (135km). Terrain. Leading through the heart of the malt whisky capital of the world the Speyside Way Whisky Trail passes close to more than 20 distilleries. They … A small, hand-built, artisan distillery nestled amongst the foothills of the beautiful Cairngorm Mountains, still hand distilling in time-honoured traditions and widely acknowledged to be amongst the prettiest of all Scotland’s distilleries. Tel: +44 (0) 1324 714132, { It is a scenic walk along riverside tracks and through pinewoods, with plenty of opportunity to sample the local malt whiskies along the way. (Cardhu Distillery at Knockando) Website: www.hillwalktours.com "@type": "TravelAgency", These malts are noted in general for their elegance and complexity, sometimes with a refined smokiness but more often a fruitiness ranging from ripe pears to sultanas. Along the way there are many attractive villages and small towns, whisky distilleries (including Aberlour and Craigellachie), castles and a wide variety of historical sites. As well as beautiful scenery, the Spey is famed for its salmon and its distilleries. The Speyside Way connects to the Moray Coast Trail at Buckie, and with the Dava Way at Grantown-on-Spey; with these two routes it is possible to walk a circuit (known as the 'Moray Way'). You progress from the Moray Firth to the Cairngorms in a valley that saw the birth of legal whisky distilling. The Speyside Way is a delightful walking holiday through the heart of our whisky country to the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains. }, Cross the track to join the old rail line and continue through the first of many chain-gates (a feature on this section) to more open area that can be boggy to reach Tormore Distillery and the A95 Road. Entries are now FULL Entries will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. An easy-going section following the old railway line as far as Nethy Bridge, where there is a shop, and through the nature reserve woodland to Boat of Garten where it is possible to detour from the route and visit the Osprey Centre at Loch Garten. Speyside is arguably the driest and warmest part of Scotland and the fertile farmlands in and around the region are ideal for growing barley, which when combined with soft local water tumbling down off the mountains, produces some of Scotland's best-loved malt whiskies. Please click on your favourite Scotch Whisky distillery on theWhisky Trail map below, the Scotland map or the A-Z list at the bottom of the page. Moderate to Strenuous, Route Signposting A very, very big name that must be on this list is Glenfiddich. Overall, the Speyside Way is an approachable, settled route through a wild and beguiling landscape. "addressRegion": "", We will recalculate the price of your holiday based on the changes you make and will confirm the price before any payment is requested. They all welcome visitors for tours and tastings. By far the largest (by number of distilleries) and arguably the most famous of Scotland's whisky regions, this breathtaking area sits in a fertile valley of rivers and secluded glens and is home to over half of Scotland's distilleries. "streetAddress": "Haypark Business Centre, Marchmont Ave, Polmont", We offer flexible tours of the Speyside Way Whisky Trail that allow you to walk for 5-days up to 9-days (with plenty of time to visit the world-famous distilleries along the way!) Commencing in the fishing village of Buckie on the Moray Firth, the route travels west along the shoreline to reach Spey Bay before turning south to follow the winding River Spey on old railway tracks, forest trails through farmland to reach the Cairngorm Mountains and the Highland Resort of Aviemore. It's the pastoral, secluded glens in the area, along with the crystal-clear waters of the River Spey and other local rivers and the warmer climate that combine to produce smooth, complex whiskies with sweet, caramel and fruity notes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience.

}. "image": "https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/bluesword.public.html.bucket/easyways.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/24125246/easyways-logo.png", The Speyside line closed to passengers on 18 October 1965, [1] the same date as the closure of … The most demanding section of the Way. Overnight Grantown on Spey. The Way starts near the mouth of the dynamic River Spey and generally follows its valley upstream to Aviemore. Just over 100 kilometres in length, the trail is easily accessible from the nearby cities of Inverness and Aberdeen, while also readily reachable from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice. The heritage trail consists of seven Speyside single malt distilleries and a cooperage that are in production and operational, whilst the Dallas Dhu distillery is a historic distillery. It was first opened in 1981, to run from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch, with a spur to Tomintoul being added in 1990. The above itinerary is our most popular, and includes the Dufftown Spur, but does not include the Tomintoul Spur. Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail is the only trail of its kind in the world. This busy little town has its own harbour and marina and number of facilities including a leisure centre, two golf courses and two outdoor bowling parks. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. It was first opened in 1981, to run from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch, with a spur to Tomintoul being added in 1990. "email": " info@easyways.com", It is entirely possible to combine the day walk with a trip on the steam train of the Strathspey Railway. Speyside Distillery. Then it’s back into the woods until the path leads under the A96 road bridge, following a path beside the Fochabers Burn, leading to the centre of Fochabers Square. "geo": { Find more advice on exploring Scotland during Covid-19 on our dedicated page. Fill out our enquiry form today. Interested in walking the Speyside Way? The Speyside Way is generally flat and suitable for all the family but, there are two significant climbs – the shoulder of Ben Aigan (270m) and the other over Carn Daimh (450m) on the Tomintoul Spur. The only malt whisky trail in the world includes more than half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries that are nestled among the rolling green hills of Speyside, but not all are open to the public. Expert local knowledge, gifts and inspiration. If you have any extra questions, feel free to contact us, we’d love to hear from you. We offer flexible tours of the Speyside Way Whisky Trail that allow you to walk for 5-days up to 9-days (with plenty of time to visit the world-famous distilleries along the way!) The railway served the numerous distilleries that operated in the Spey Valley, many of these distilleries having their own small tank engines, or ‘pugs’ as they were known. Waymarked, Navigational Skills After Boat o’ Brig there is a more demanding section up through forestry. You can also choose different types of accommodation, for example bunkhouses or hotels at some stages. If you don’t require overnight stays at the start and end of the walk, simply let us know at the time of booking. All abilities: Not suitable for those with walking difficulties. You will depart Fochabers and re-join the Speyside Way on a quiet road for the first 7.5km. "url": "https://easyways.com/", These cookies do not store any personal information. Overnight Craigellachie. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. }, Is it self supported? Speyside Distillery Benromach creates virtual whisky tour for fans stuck at home. Continue past the Mash Tun Pub to reach a woodland section with the (Old Dailuaine Halt) the Dailuaine Distillery Treatment Plant on the right on to Bridge of Carron offering great views of the river. The Glenlivet Distillery a handy stopping point half way along this more challenging spur route. "address": { A northern extension from Spey Bay to Buckie followed in 1999, with the route being further extended from Ballindalloch to … This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 36.5 miles, starting at Cragganmore Distillery and finishing in Buckie's town centre. Route Terrain The route will follow the Speyside Way from Cragganmore Distillery, Ballindalloch to the town centre in Buckie. Minor roads, moorland paths and tracks, some parts improved, others can be wet or rough. "@type": "GeoCoordinates", and we can also plan your tour based on your hiking ability as we offer gentle, moderate and challenging itineraries. The Dufftown Spur and the Tomintoul Spur - The Speyside Way includes two spurs. Depart Ballindalloch past the old station to pass Cragganmore Distillery. Speyside is home to some of the best whiskies in the world. Follow paths and tracks through woods and fields with plenty of ascents and descents in fine birch woodlands, heather clad hills, grazing pastures and the beautiful native Scots pines of Anagach Woods. Travel time from central Scotland is 3.5 hours in each direction, whereas Inverness lies around 1.5 hours drive away from the Speyside area.

PLEASE NOTE: due to COVID19 restrictions, Distilleries may open and close at short notice, and may also only offer limited tour and tasting options. The Speyside Way offers an easy and well signposted walk that passes through some of Scotland’s most varied and beautiful scenery. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Welcome to The Distilleries of Scotland where we have tried to provide a complete list of Scottish Distilleries. Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail is a tourism initiative featuring seven working Speyside distilleries, a historic distillery (Dallas Dhu, now a museum) and the Speyside Cooperage.A 2012 BBC article recommends a leisurely tour, taking a day or two at each distillery to appreciate the local "traditions and lore". Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera. Macallan Distillery can be visited on this stage: McCallan This section mostly follows an old derelict railway line, passing the little town of Aberlour, before continuing along the railway past a succession of distilleries to end at Ballindalloch. You can now search our website to see what businesses are open and signed up to the Good to Go scheme. Speyside Visitor Centre is situated on the Speyside Way beside the River Spey and is close to the centre of the town of Aberlour. Leave Grantown and take Forest Road to pass the golf course before following the sign for Nethy Bridge and continue on the old military road and to cross the old bridge over the wide River Spey and head for the Speyside Smokehouse ahead and on to Balliefurth Farm with views across the river to Ballintomb the rallying ground of the local Clan Grant. Once a thriving fishing and shipbuilding port, today Buckie is a small fishing town on the Moray cost with great scenery and wildlife. Leave the road behind and climb a grassy path until a Speyside Way sign indicates where to turn and descend steeply to meet a harder-surfaced track to a prominent new footbridge. From Glenfiddich, to Cardhu, Glendullan, The Balvenie, The Macallan and Glenfarclas and Cragganmore, the landscape is rich with whisky. There are magnificent views of 18th century mansion, Arndilly House, on the right, which was once the home of the chief of Clan Menzies. Many are within a few miles of each other making it an ideal area for whisky tours. All the mapping you need to complete Scotland's 66-mile (106km) Speyside Way, an official Scottish Long Distance Route which follows the River Spey through northern Scotland from Aviemore to the old port of Buckie on the Moray coast. Overnight in Buckie. No access for buggies or wheelchairs. Iconic Ben Nevis needs to be top of your Scottish to-do list. This final section of the Speyside Way offers a variety and mountain views to reach the beautiful highland town of Aviemore. At Dalmunach the route emerges to continue ahead on the middle grassy track and the old railway line alongside the Spey to reach Knockando (House) Distillery. For lovers of this amber elixir, a visit to Speyside – located in the Highlands – is a must. Cross the high bridge over the Cally Burn and continue through woods and fields to Blacksboat, an attractive old station, to cross a suspension bridge over a tributary and eventually reach the huge iron-box bridge over the Spey, built by C McFarlane of Dundee to end in Ballindalloch. Depart Craigellachie on signpost to the Speyside Way to Aberlour to follow the path leading to the old station, now a cafe and Information Centre. Multi-use: Use of much of this section by bicycles or horses is not sustainable because of ground conditions. Explain any changes you require in the Comments section of the Enquiry Form. "telePhone": "+441324 714132", Opened in 1981, the route has the added attraction of embracing a large number of iconic whisky distilleries en route. "name": "Easyways", It is housed in the Old Station Building in the town. It’s the ideal place for whisky distilleries in Scotland and Speyside is home to over half of all Scotland’s whisky distilleries. The Speyside Way is generally flat and suitable for all the family but, there are two significant climbs – the shoulder of Ben Aigan (270m) and the other over Carn Daimh (450m) on the Tomintoul Spur. As you make your way south-west from Buckie towards Aviemore you cannot fail to be impressed by the fantastic landscape in this whisky distilling region of North East Scotland. Sample the remarkable flavours of Speyside's fine malts as you explore the region, and follow the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail™ - the world's ultimate Scotch whisky experience - comprising of nine 'must-visit' sites including seven working distilleries, Dallas Dhu historic distillery and the Speyside Cooperage - the only working cooperage in the UK. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The route features great scenery in the Spey valley, in places following the river banks closely, elsewhere crossing open moorland or following disused railway trackbed. "latitude": "55.990277", Moderate. Continue over to pass Abernethy Golf Course past outskirts of Nethy Bridge and on to Loch Garten (with to detour to visit the RSPB Osprey Centre available here) before reaching Boat of Garten and on to more open ground with the Cairngorms on the left beside the track of the steam railway which runs regular trains between Aviemore and Broomhill. Branch off from the low-level Speyside Way for this more dramatic spur route leading up and over moorland to the high village of Tomintoul. Speyside whiskies in a nutshell Number of distilleries: 50 Oldest distillery: Strathisla (1786) Most popular distillery: Glenfiddich Flavour profile: fruity, sweet, spicy, vanilla In the glens and valleys along the Spey, are many distilleries. Follow a forest track to the A95 again and re-join the old railway line for some distance, past the former Cromdale Station and Cromdale Old Kirk over the metal bridge into the centre of Grantown. The stunning Bow Fiddle Rock can be seen near Portknockie to the north east of Buckie with sandy beaches and spectacular long walks along the coast. Independent or Scottish-owned Speyside distilleries near the Speyside Way include Ballindalloch near Ballindalloch station, Balvenie in Dufftown, Glenfiddich in Dufftown, Macallan near Craigellachie and the Speyside Distillery in Kingussie. We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. The final amount you pay may be lower or higher than our Fixed Price, depending on the options you choose. ... Top tech allows you to navigate your way around the distillery as though you were actually there in person. The Speyside Way is one of four official Long Distance Routes in Scotland (the others are the West Highland Way, the Southern Upland Way and the Great Glen Way). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 6 nights' accommodation for 2 people sharing in quality B&Bs, guest houses, inns and hotels. Next you will pass through woodland and cross over the Bridge of Arndilly and MacDowall Bridge, emerging on the busy A95 at the Bridge of Fiddich, then walk on to Craigellachie where this stage ends. Easyways Ltd is a Scottish company registered at Haypark Marchmont Avenue, Polmont, Falkirk, FK2 0NZ. You can also stay an extra night at any point on The Speyside Way, there is so much to see in the area.