Speyside Way Whisky Trail: 8-Day Gentle Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Aberlour

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

DAY 2: Dufftown Loop

Distance 20km • Approximate Walking Time 5 - 7 hrs • Ascent (↑) 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 3: Aberlour to Ballindalloch

16km • 4 - 5 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 4: Tomintoul to Glenlivet

14km • 4 - 5 hours • (↑) 345m

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. End the day at the world-famous Glenlivet distillery. Overnight in Ballindalloch.

DAY 5: Ballindalloch to Cromdale

19km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 490m

If you want to sample yet more whisky, why not stop by the Cragganmore distillery first thing in the morning. This is a small, local distillery but the whisky tastes just as good. As for the hiking, well it’s mostly through rolling hills and along quiet forest tracks today. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, deer and rabbits.

DAY 6: Cromdale to Nethy Bridge

15km • 3 - 5 hours • (↑) 90m

Starting from a splendid old railway station at Cromdale which has been beautifully restored, you then cross over the Spey River and follow a tree-lined trail into Anagach Wood. Pop into pretty Grantown-on-Spey for lunch (Robbie & Beryl serve fantastic pies at the Craig Bar) before continuing along a quiet trail as far as Nethy Bridge.

DAY 7: Nethy Bridge to Aviemore

18km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 180m

Follow the old Strathspey Railway line through the village of 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.