Speyside Whisky Trail - Short Break Map and Itinerary

Starting Point: Craigellachie

Only 2 hours from Inverness this small town lies in the heart of whisky country and is a fitting starting point to the Speyside Whisky Trail. The Cooperage centre in the town is the only one of it’s kind remaining and you also have great views of the River Spey from Telford’s Iron Bridge. The Craigellachie Hotel famously boasts 550 malt whiskies behind the bar. .

Circular walk to Glenfiddich Distillery - 12 miles

On this way marked circular section the trail follows the River Fiddich to the world famous Glenfiddich Distillery. Following an easy ascent you are afforded wonderful views of the Spey Valley from the summit of Gownie Path at 1100 ft.

Craigellachie to Ballindalloch - 12 miles

Follow the River Spey to both the Aberlour and Cardhu distilleries en route to the hamlet of Ballindalloch. The walking is a through a mix of atmospheric woodland with hidden waterfalls utilising a disused railway track bed.

Distillery visits

The Speyside Whisky Trail passes 13 distilleries and there is the opportunity to visit at least 6. Below is a brief description to some of the most famous:

Macallan distillery: Day 1 or 2

At the start of the walk and a great introduction to the Speyside whiskies. The visitor centre overlooks the River Spey with magnificent views across to Ben Rinnes. Explore the ‘Story of Oak’ and how the special casks develop the distinctive character of the Macallan.

Macallan Distillery official website. 

 

Aberlour distillery: Day 2

At the junction of the River Spey and the River Lour the distillery get’s it’s name from the Gaelic for ’mouth of the chattering burn’. Taste the wort and wash and nose the different fractions of the spirit run.

Aberlour Distillery official website. 

 

Glenfiddich distillery: Day 2

This world famous distillery was set up in 1886 with the goal of creating the ‘best dram in the valley’. You can make your own decision with a tour ranging from the general distillery experience to a ‘connoisseur tour’.

Glenfiddich Distillery official website. 

 

Cardhu distillery: Day 2

The only whisky distillery started by a woman. Experience the distinctive warm and clean ‘silky’ taste with a tour.

Carhu Distillery official website. 

 

Cragganmore distillery: Day 2 or 3

Positioned on the banks of the River Spey at Ballindalloch you may take a tour to experience one of the most complex and characterful whiskies of all. Uncover the story of John Smiths whisky dream.

Cragganmore Distillery official website.