The
Speyside Way follows Scotland's loveliest river from the Moray
Firth to the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains through the heart
of malt whisky country. Following paths and disused railway trackbeds
the trail passes through a beguiling mix of scenery: the wave-battered
shores of the Moray Firth, rich farmland, mixed woodland, heather-clad
hills and ancient Caledonian pine forests. Along the way it visits many
attractive villages and small towns as well as sites of historical interest
including stone circles, standing stones, pictish relics, imposing castles
and ancient kirks. This beautiful corner of Scotland is also rich in
a wide variety of wildlife, from dolphins at Spey Bay to Ospreys at
Loch Garten. Other highlights include the opportunity to visit some
of the most famous distilleries in Scotland including Machallan, Glenfiddich,
Cardhu and Glenlivet.
Starting from the fishing port of Buckie, the Speyside Way follows the
shores of the Moray Firth through quaint fishing villages to Spey Bay
at the mouth of the river. From here it follows forest tracks to Fochabers,
an interesting village built by the 4th Duke of Gordon in 1776 when
he decided that the original settlement was too close to his castle.
At Boat O' Brig, the trail leaves the river and follows forest
tracks around Ben Aigen to Craigellachie, with wonderful views along
the Spey to the sea. Perched above the confluence of the sparkling waters
of the Spey and the Fiddich, Craigellachie is a charming village, with
a couple of welcoming old inns. Consider an extra night here if you
would like to visit the Speyside Cooperage, which makes oak whisky casks,
the Macallan Distillery or follow the 4 - mile (6.5km) ‘Dufftown
Spur' that runs along the banks of the River Fiddich to the Glenfiddich
Distillery, Balvenie Castle and the delightful little town of Dufftown,
the ‘Malt Whisky Capital of the World'.
SPEYSIDE WAY
The
Speyside Way follows Scotland's loveliest river from the Moray
Firth to the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains through the heart
of malt whisky country. Following paths and disused railway trackbeds
the trail passes through a beguiling mix of scenery: the wave-battered
shores of the Moray Firth, rich farmland, mixed woodland, heather-clad
hills and ancient Caledonian pine forests. Along the way it visits many
attractive villages and small towns as well as sites of historical interest
including stone circles, standing stones, pictish relics, imposing castles
and ancient kirks. This beautiful corner of Scotland is also rich in
a wide variety of wildlife, from dolphins at Spey Bay to Ospreys at
Loch Garten. Other highlights include the opportunity to visit some
of the most famous distilleries in Scotland including Machallan, Glenfiddich,
Cardhu and Glenlivet.