Speyside Way Whisky Trail: 9-Day Moderate Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Buckie

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Buckie.

DAY 2: Buckie to Fochabers

Distance 18km • Approximate Walking Time 4 - 6 hrs • Ascent (↑) 40m

Starting off next to the North Sea coastline, the trail passes through a couple of pretty seaside villages. At the point where the trail meets the mouth of the River Spey, it turns inland and continues through fertile farmland next to the fast-flowing river.

DAY 3: Fochabers to Craigellachie

21km • 5 - 7 hrs • (↑) 490m

A very quiet minor road takes you gently uphill through peaceful farmland and forestry. Look out for the various viewing points over the River Spey. If you are a whisky fan, make sure to visit the award-winning Highlander Inn pub in Craigellachie – there are more than 280 different types of whisky to choose from.

DAY 4: Dufftown Loop

20km • 5 - 7 hrs • (↑) 330m

Glenfiddich is one of Scotland’s most famous malt whiskies, renowned throughout the world for its quality. By a happy coincidence, today’s hike passes right by the front door of the distillery where it’s made. Make sure to pop in for a tour.

DAY 5: Craigellachie to Ballindalloch

20km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 120m

Following the path of an old railway line that once ran as far west as Grantown-on-Spey, it’s no surprise that you pass several remnants of the railway’s illustrious past;

from old bridges to disused signals to abandoned platforms. An interesting and varied hike.

DAY 6: Tomintoul to Ballindalloch

23km • 6 - 8 hours • (↑) 645m

Transfer to Tomintoul in the morning. Pay a visit to the Whisky Castle shop in Tomintoul where you will find the largest bottle of whisky in the world and also some of the rarest malts. Don’t drink too much though as next up is the toughest climb on the trail (to Carn Daimh - 570m) where the views are spectacular. Pop into the world-famous Glenlivet distillery before finishing up with a climb over the Hill of Deskie. Overnight in Ballindalloch.

DAY 7: Ballindalloch to Grantown-on-Spey

24km • 6 - 8 hours • (↑) 555m

Rolling hills and forest paths characterise today’s hike. You pass a splendid old railway station at Cromdale which has been beautifully restored. Keep an eye out too for squirrels, deer and rabbits. A lovely walk through Anagach Wood takes you into the pretty little town of Grantown-on-Spey.

DAY 8: Grantown-on-Spey to Aviemore

27km • 6 - 8 hours • (↑) 200m

Follow the old Strathspey Railway line through the villages of Nethy Bridge and Boat of Garten before crossing some beautiful open moorland with stunning views of the Cairngorms National Park on the approach into the highland resort of Aviemore.

DAY 9: Departure from Aviemore

There are regular bus and train services from Aviemore to Edinburgh and to Inverness. Full details provided upon booking.