6 Days & 5 Nights

4.4

Speyside Whisky Trail

Savour the elegantly rounded flavours of a 12 year old Glenfiddich malt
Combine easy-going walks with distillery visits of your choice
Peaceful hiking through ancient pine forests
Drink to purple heather-clad glens, haunt of the golden eagle
Stock up on your favourite Speyside malts to enjoy at home

The regions of Speyside and Strathspey are home to almost half of the 100 or so malt whisky distilleries in Scotland. This self guided walk follows way marked trails between distilleries is specifically chosen to provide the best combination of walking and whisky. Each days' walking allows you to visit distilleries and experience the processes and products that have made the amber liquid of ‘Scotch’ world famous. Visit the world famous Speyside whisky distilleries as you walk along the fast flowing salmon filled River Spey, passing woodlands and heather rich glens. Sample famous malts and blends from Glenlivet and Glenfiddich to name but a few as you walk with ’spirit’ along original smuggler’s trails in the shadow of the Cairngorm mountains. Enjoy this self-guided walking holiday in a region now inhabited by ospreys, eagles and the elusive wildcat. Starting in the small town of Craigellachie at the heart of malt whisky country this 39-mile whisky trail guides you through the naturally rich Spey Valley. Walk through mixed woodland, farmland and moorland with pockets of remnant forest that support relict populations of rare and elusive animals such as the capercaillie. A history of illicit whisky production and smuggling is survived by smugglers trails that afford intriguing sidewalks through the woods and glens passing clear rushing burns and heather covered hills. Passing through the Glenlivet estate, the Speyside Whisky Trail brings you to Tomintoul, the end of the trip. With 4 days walking and 5 nights, there is the chance to visit at least 6 distilleries without ever having to drive!

From $1,099.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Craigellachie and overnight

Only 2 hours from Inverness this small town lies in the heart of whisky country and is a fitting starting point for a journey through Speyside's whisky country. The Cooperage centre in the town is the only one of its kind remaining and you also have great views of the River Spey from Telford’s Iron Bridge. Make sure to visit the Craigellachie Hotel, which famously boasts 550 malt whiskies behind the bar!

Overnight Craigellachie

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Bridge View | Bed and breakfast

Bridge View B&B is a traditional Scottish family home set in an elevated position, overlooking the River Spey and surrounding countryside. All rooms are centrally heated with TV and tea/coffee making facilities and WIFI internet access.

Craigellachie Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Craigellachie Lodge was originally built in 1860 for a local distillery manager. and sits high on a hill overlooking the Spey Valley. Scott and Jodi will make you feel at home right away and are more than happy to assist with booking any distillery visits on your behalf.

Highlander Inn | Country Inn

The Highlander Inn is recognised as one of Scotland's best known "Village Inns" and a truly international "hot spot" for whisky tourism. They have one of the largest selections of Japanese whiskies available outside South-East Asia, and a good selection of malt whiskies from other parts of the world as well! The guest rooms are en-suite and have all recently been refurbished and have been designed to a high standard.

Day 2 Glenfiddich Distillery Loop Walk 12 miles / 19 km

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.

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’.

Ascent: 271m (889ft) / Descent: 281m (922ft)

Overnight Craigellachie

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Bridge View | Bed and breakfast

Craigellachie Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Highlander Inn | Country Inn

Day 3 Walk from Craigellachie to Ballindalloch 12 miles / 20 km

Follow the River Spey 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. You will pass several distilleries today including Aberlour, Tamdhu, Knockando and Dalmunach. If you wish to detour slightly from the trail you can also visit Cardhu Distillery and The Macallan Distillery.

Cragganmore Distillery is 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.

Ascent: 69m (226ft) / Descent: 15m (49ft)

Overnight Ballindalloch

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Cragganmore House | Bed and breakfast

Cragganmore House offers lovely comfortable accommodation for walkers, set in a secluded glen, with glorious views to the River Spey and across to Ben Rinnes. Situated in the heart of golfing and Malt Whisky country on the edge of the Cairngorm National Park. Room are all individually furnished and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.

The Delnashaugh | Country Hotel

The Delnashaugh overlooks the River Avon, amidst the delightful countryside of the Spey valley. Newly renovated and refurbished, the hotel has every modern convenience, while retaining the best of its original character. You can relax in the evening in the warm and inviting bar which also has an open fire where you can enjoy a relaxing meal or sample a few of their malt whiskies including the very local Ballindalloch malt from their well-stocked bar.

Day 4 Walk from Ballindalloch to Glenlivet 7 miles / 12 km

Ballindalloch is also the site of the beautiful and renowned Ballindalloch castle. Leaving the village the trail takes you out into the wild scenery of upland heather clad moorland. Rising up to the summits of Cairncay and Deskie the trail descends to the welcoming site of the Glenlivet distillery and surrounding estate.

The Glenlivet Distillery is steeped in history. Due to whisky taxes imposed in the 18th Century, the remote area around Glenlivet was a centre for illicit stills. As Glenlivet is the site of the original single malt you will want to experience the taste on a tour. There is also much scope to walk way marked smugglers trails on the estate.

After time to visit Glenlivet distillery a transfer will return you to Ballindalloch for your overnight.

Ascent: 360m (1,181ft) / Descent: 253m (830ft)

Overnight Ballindalloch

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Cragganmore House | Bed and breakfast

The Delnashaugh | Country Hotel

Day 5 Walk from Glenlivet to Tomintoul 8 miles / 13 km

A morning transfer collects you from Ballindalloch and returns you to Glenlivet to continue on the trail.

Following in the footsteps of illicit whisky smugglers of the 18th century the trail ventures into the wild uplands with views of the Cairngorm Mountains. At Tomintoul the renowned Whisky Castle shop has been selling the finest malt whiskies for over 100 years. Mike and Cathy will surely provide you with a warm welcome and help you stock up on the ‘Life Blood of Scotland’!

Ascent: 376m (1,234ft) / Descent: 259m (850ft)

Overnight Tomintoul

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Argyle House | Bed and breakfast

Argyle House dates back to 1891, it is a stone built, cottage-style building of one and a half stories. Your hosts will be Steven and Dianne during your stay. Both are South African born and delighted to have settled in Scotland, a place they have always loved and frequently visited from their former base in London.

Dianne comes from a hotel background having worked as a Guest Relations Manager in a 4-star hotel in London. She will ensure that you will have a great experience at the Argyle Guest House.

Steven, has an Architectural background. His love for the outdoors and all it has to offer will provide you with the information you need in the local area, and what exciting things there are to do. He has a passion for cooking and will ensure that you leave for the day feeling satiated with a wonderful breakfast.

Glen Avon | Hotel

The Glen Avon is a small family run hotel nestled in the heart of the Highlands of Scotland. It is situated overlooking the village square of delightful Tomintoul, reputed as the highest village in the Highlands. They offer en-suite rooms with bed & breakfast facilities, all of which are double glazed with central heating, colour television and tea & coffee making amenities. Enjoy a meal in their restaurant, a glass of Scotland's finest whisky or a traditional real ale in the warm and friendly atmosphere of our lounge bar. Either sit by the bar and exchange stories with some of the local characters, play pool or relax quietly by the log fire.

Richmond Arms | Country Inn

The Richmond Arms is a magnificent 25-bedroom hotel nestling centrally in the tranquil village of Tomintoul which claims to be the highest village in the Highlands. You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check into the hotel and your room will have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. They have two well stocked bars and have an extensive choice of 35 individual malt whisky’s, with many from the Speyside area, and others from the lowlands, Islay and highland regions, plus 4 Glenlivet and 3 Tomintoul varieties.

Day 6 Onward travel transfer

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

If you want to discover the whisky, water and land of Scotland there is no better way. Taste the complex flavours of the Speyside whiskies as you walk through the changing landscapes from riverside through farm and moorland to rich forests. The perfect trip for both walker and whisky connoisseur.

Tour Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Whisky

Activity Level & Terrain

This is an easy to moderate tour with relatively low daily mileages covering mostly flat, but occassionally rolling terrain. Paths are generally very good and the route follows a mix of forest tracks and paths on compact dirt or gravel.

Experience & Fitness

The Speyside Whisky Trail is a relatively easy walk so if you are a regular walker or lead and active lifestyle you'll enjoy the walk. We offer a range of itineraries so you can choose your preferred daily distance so hopefully you will find an itinerary that suits your preferred level of activity.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

5 Nights in hand-picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
5 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers and onward travel transfer to Grantown-on-Spey
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs ‘My Account’
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure navigation app
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to Craigellachie / from Grantown-on-Spey
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Distillery tours and entrance fees
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

By Air: Aberdeen (3hrs) and Inverness (2hrs) both have airports which are convenient for the Speyside Whisky Trail.

Use one of the following modes of transport listed below to get you to the start and finish of the walk.

By Road: Craigellachie is approximately 60 miles and a 1.5 hours drive from both Inverness and Aberdeen. From Glasgow and Edinburgh drive time is approximately 4 hours.

By Rail or Bus: If travelling by bus from Inverness airport you may change buses at Elgin. The overall journey time is approximately 2 hours. If travelling by bus from Aberdeen airport a combination of a bus to Dyce followed by a train to Elgin and a final bus will take approximately 3 hours in total. You may also travel out from Aberdeen town centre by train to Elgin and a bus onto Craigellachie. This journey will take up to 2.5 hours.

Train timetables can be found here Scotrail and the buses are operated by Stagecoach.

Getting from the End

By Bus: Public transport from Granton-on-Spey is available via a bus to the town of Aviemore (0.5 hrs) where trains run to Inverness (45m) and onward to Aberdeen (4-5hrs total journey). Buses are operated by Stagecoach. Buses operated by Scottish Citylink run directly to Glasgow (3hrs) with an indirect service to Edinburgh (3.5hrs).

By Rail: There are direct train services to Glasgow (3hrs) from Aviemore and an indirect service to Edinburgh (3.5hrs). The provider for the train is Scotrail.

Traveline Scotland is a great website for planning journeys by public transport around the country.

We can also arrange transfers for you to either Craigellachie or Granton-on-Spey following your final nights' stay.

Luggage Transfer

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the cost of your holiday. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.