The Speyside Way walking holiday takes you into the heart of Scotland’s famous Malt Whisky country. Follow a route through the ancient Caledonian pine forests of the Speyside valley, famous for it’s 50 plus distilleries spread around Speyside and Strathspey, including Glenfiddich and Glenlivet.
6 to 7 nights
65 mls (km)
North East Scotland
Easy
Mar to Oct
£570
A Blend of Whisky and Walking on the Speyside Way
Walk through The Cairngorms, Britain's largest National Park
Visit some of Scotland's finest whisky distilleries
Explore the Ballindalloch Castle estate
Wildlife abounds in the Speyside River valley - a special area of conservation
Pass through characterful villages along the way such as Craigellachie, Aviemore and Ballindalloch
The Strathspey Steam Railway that runs between Broomhill and Aviemore (via Boat of Garten)
Take back a sample from the heart of Malt Whisky Country
The Speyside Way runs from the Moray Coast to Aviemore in the Cairngorm Mountains, through a variety of rich scenery. The route navigates hills, farmland, mixed woodland and riverside paths following the coursing River Spey - the fastest flowing river in Scotland.
The Spey is Scotland’s second longest river, renowned by anglers for the quality of its salmon and trout fishing. The river between coast and foothills of the Cairngorm National Park is a treasured Special Area of Conservation. Where the river Spey meets the Moray Firth is a feeding point for Dolphins around Spey Bay (near Fochabers), and it's along the river Spey that the fresh supply of salmon also supports the native sea eagles and ospreys of the inland mountains and lochs.
Buzzards and kestrels are known to this land and sharp eyed walkers may be within a chance of spotting the rare Scottish wildcat, the UK’s rarest mammal and resident of Scotland for over two million years.
The Speyside Whisky Trail
Whisky is an anglicised mutation of ‘Uisge’ in Scottish Gaelic, water that has been distilled in the Spey valley since the 16th century. Your walk features visits to local villages and market towns, to Clan castles, and of course the chance to visit some of the finest whisky distilleries in Scotland (distillery tours should be pre-booked). These include such iconic labels as Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and the Macallan. In addition, we have the renowned Quaich Bar - with 700 malts displayed in alphabetical order!
Our linear Speyside Way route takes you from Buckie to Aviemore
Path Walkthrough
Following the River Spey from the coast at Buckie, the Speyside Way encompasses the towns and villages that makes up the heart of malth whisky country. Your route traces a path around the foothills of the Cairngorms, in the valley of Scotland's second-longest river. The walking is fairly straightforward - the path itself follows path and disused railway line through woods, hills and farmland, and is mostly free of steep ascents and descents. This walk is for the experienced and newer long distance walker alike, being less rugged, flatter than say The West Highland Way.
The distances covered in each section almost always exceeds 10+ miles plus, as you follow the path south west from Buckie. There is some (inevitable) road walking toward Craigellachie, but the majority of the path is through farmland, old railway line and pine forest track.
High standard accommodation at a mixture of Guesthouses, Farmhouses, local Inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
Breakfast
Luggage transfers (one bag per walker, max 18kg per bag)
Personal transfer between accommodation and path where necessary
Route planning
Walk Pack including Trail Guide, itinerary, accommodation directions, local interest leaflets and holiday planning
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our Speyside Way holidays are available to walk March to October.
It is possible to visit The Speyside Way at any point of the year without facing any considerable difficulties. However, there are practical issues relating to accommodation - e.g. summer tends to book quite quickly, but in winter a lot of B&Bs close their doors. We would recommend spring/autumn as the optimal time to visit - this way you are also less likely to have to fend off midges on your journey.
Railway stations are located in Aviemore and Elgin or Keith for Buckie.
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.
Speyside Way Client Reviews
4.7/5 based on 7 reviews
All went without a hitch. Speyside Way was beautiful. Wonderful views, fresh air, beautiful country. Enjoyable and stress-free.
Celtic Trails were just about perfect. Exactly what we wanted. Good price and excellent organisation. D. Ketcham - July 2019
It was great to walk the whole way, door-to-door, without using any vehicles. The Speyside Way is well way-marked and the walking relatively easy, while still feeling quite wild and with fabulous views. T. Golinski - April 2019
Great accommodations. Thank you. B - August 2018
"Outstanding vacation. All locations very friendly." Churchouse - June 2018
Have walked with you four times before and you met our expectations again. C&A - May 2018
B&Bs were (as usual) very good... beautiful walk. Spence - June 2017
'To my mind it is a wonderful adventure - lots of exercise & beautiful places to see, without the burden of a backpack or the worry of finding suitable accommodations'. Van Horn - July 2010
Leave your own review of your Speyside Way Walking Holiday with us - add review.
We will check your details and come back to you within two working days with a personalised estimate based on your requirements. We will then formally request a deposit of £150 per person (£100 per person for a single centre break) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking process here.
Please note this does not constitute a booking confirmation, we kindly ask you to refrain from booking any travel until we have confirmed all your arrangements.
Still Have Questions?
If you are still unsure on any of your requirements, please do enquire with us first and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you with any queries you have.
Walk 
Buckie to Aviemore
