Speyside Way Whisky Trail: 8-Day Challenging 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

This first day of walking offers a more moderate challenge to ease you into the hike. 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 Dufftown

Distance 29km • Approximate Walking Time 7 - 10 hrs • Ascent (↑) 600m

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. Continue on to Dufftown – home of Glenfiddich, one of Scotland’s most famous malt whiskies, renowned throughout the world for its quality. Make sure to pop in for a tour.

DAY 4: Dufftown to Ballindalloch

24km • 5 - 8 hrs • (↑) 320m

Starting off on a cross-country path over the hills into Aberlour, the trail then follows the path of an old railway line that once ran as far west as Grantown-on-Spey. It’s no surprise, therefore, 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 5: Tomintoul to Ballindalloch

26km • 6 - 9 hours • (↑) 670m

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 at lunch time and take a tasting tour. From the whisky distillery, the trail climbs steeply up the Hill of Deskie before descending gently to Ballindalloch. Look out for the old stone bridge over the Avon River. And, if you have time, we recommend a trip to Ballindalloch Castle – the “Pearl of the North”.

DAY 6: 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 7: 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 8: Departure from Aviemore

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