Detailed Route Description

The Speyside Way is a fantastic walk through the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky country. The following route description provides a brief outline of what to expect over the course of your walking adventure.All the individual itineraries we offer are made up of the below sections.

Section 1 | Buckie to Fochabers | 10 miles| 16 Km | 5-6 hours

Starting from the fishing port of Buckie you follow the coastline of Spey Bay before turning left along a disused railway line to follow the River Spey to Fochabers.

Section 2 | Fochabers to Craigallachie | 13 miles| 21 Km | 6-7 hours

You climb steeply as you leave Fochabers but are rewarded with expansive views over the Spey Valley and the Boat o’ Brig. After a stretch of mixed forest and farmland before reaching the small village of Craigallachie. The Craigallachie Hotel famously boasts 550 malt whiskies behind its bar.

Section 3 | Craigallachie to Ballindalloch | 12 miles| 20 Km | 5-6 hours

You start your day following a pretty section of the Spey before passing close to Aberlour where you may wish to divert o visit the town’s distillery. A pleasant period of walking passes before you reach the hamlet of Ballindalloch.

Section 4 | Ballindalloch to Grantown | 13miles| 21 Km | 6-7 hours

This is a rougher section of more challenging walking with good views and lovely pinewoods between Cromdale and Grantown. Grantown-on-Spey is a charming village to while away an afternoon.

Section 5 | Grantown to Aviemore | 17 miles| 27 Km | 7-8 hours

Today you enter Strathspey and the Cairngorm Mountains start to dominate the view to your left. The walking is easy and passes through farmland and uses old railway tracks to bring you to the bustling town of Aviemore, the end of your journey.

Spur 1 | Dufftown Circuit | 10 miles| 16 Km | 5-6 hours

The Dufftown Spur is a very pleasant excursion off the main route of the way and facilitates a visit to the world famous Glenfiddich Distillery. Well worth it if you are a whisky lover.

Spur 2 | Tomintoul Spur | 15 miles| 24 Km | 7-8 hours

Probably my favourite part of the Speyside Way as it ventures into the wild places of the Cairngorms and gives you a real insight into the reality of life in a small highland village. Oh, and you also pass by Glenlivet, which certainly helps you on your way.