Which distilleries are along the Speyside Whisky Trail?

Distilleries along on the Speyside Whisky Trail include Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Cragganmore, Aberlour, Tamdhu, Knockando, Dalmunach, Cardhu, Macallan, and the Tomintoul Whisky Castle shop.

What other walks in Scotland offer a whisky experience?

Many of our walking tours in Scotland allow you to sample whisky at pubs or your lodgings along the way. Other tours that pass by or are near distilleries include the Best Of The West Highland Way, Rob Roy Way, Great Glen Way & Loch Ness, Walking in the Scottish Highland, Arran Coastal Way, Skye & The Outer Hebrides, A Long Walk On The Isle of Skye, Across The Isle of Skye among others!

Do I need to be a whisky expert?

Not at all. Distillery guides explain everything from grain to glass - this route suits curious beginners as much as collectors.

What's included on the Speyside Whisky Trail?

Accommodation each night, daily luggage transfers, route notes in our Macs app, onward travel transfer to Grantown-on-Spey, and 24/7 support. Distillery tours and entrance fees are not included, as we allow you to pick and choose the distilleries and tastings you are most interested in.

Can I do the Speyside Whisky Trail solo?

Yes, you can solo walk the the Speyside Whisky Trail and most of our other Scottish walking tours.

Can I customize the Speyside Whisky Trail?

Our Adventure Specialists can discuss adding a rest day, or extending your time in Speyside before or after your tour.

4.7(3,024)

Whisky and Walking in Scotland

The Scottish Highlands is whisky country, and you can enjoy some of the finest malts in the world on nearly all of our Scotland walking tours.

The Speyside area has the highest concentration of malt distilleries anywhere on earth, linked by the River Spey and its old railway paths. Our Speyside Whisky Trail follows the Speyside Way between them, on foot. Walk riverside paths and old rail trails between Aviemore and the Moray coast, stopping at distilleries like Glenlivet, Glenfarclas, and Cardhu along the way. Tastings, not just tours - this is whisky country experienced at walking pace.

20+ years running self-guided Scotland routes, Macs Adventure is a leader in self-guided travel.

Whisky tasting
Glen hiking
Distillation in progress
Distillery grounds
Nessie's malt
Highland heather

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Real photos, real stories, straight from the trail

Over 26,000 travelers strong, our community shares #MacsMoments, swaps tips and advice, and helps each other plan the perfect trip. Many connect long before they set off - and some even meet up on the trail!

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What is the Speyside Way?
A 65-mile waymarked trail through Speyside, Scotland's whisky heartland, following the River Spey and old railway paths from the Cairngorms to the Moray coast. We've curated a 39-mile trail that covers the best in whisky and walking.
How many distilleries will I visit on the Speyside Whisky Trail?
The Speyside Whisky Trail builds in visits Cragganmore Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Tomintoul, and passes near for optional visits to Aberlour, Tamdhu, Knockando, Dalmunach, Cardhu and Macallan.
When is the best time to walk Speyside?
April to October. May and September offer mild weather and quieter distilleries but these are the busiest times to hike in Scotland so go outside these months for a quieter experience.
How difficult is the Speyside Way?
Graded Easy-Moderate - mostly flat riverside and old rail-trail walking, suitable for most active adults.
Can I ship whisky home?
Most distilleries can arrange shipping for larger purchases. Duty-free allowances apply for what you carry - ask at the distillery shop.

Whisky and Walking in Scotland