Speyside Way Walking Holidays

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 whiskey 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.

Walk Gallery

• What's Included?

  We include:

  • High standard accommodation at a mixture of Guesthouses, Farmhouses, local Inns and B&B’s 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
• Essential Info.

  Although the area has a high concentration of distilleries, most have no visitor facilities. If you visit during a whiskey festival, you'll be able to visit distilleries that are normally closed to the public.

  For the ones that are open:

  Aberlour: 5 mins off way from Aberlour village

  Cardhu:  On way to Ballindalloch

  Cragganmore: Between Ballindalloch and Grantown

  Glenfiddich: A de-tour from Craigellachie to Dufftown

  Glenlivet: On way by River Livet

  Macallan: On way to Craigellachie, cross Telford bridge, turn left and continue half mile

  Scottish Distilleries: http://www.scotlandwhisky.com/distilleries/

  Please note that it always worth ringing the distillery ahead of visit.

• Getting There

  Railway stations are located in Aviemore and Elgin or Keith for Buckie.

  www.nationalrail.co.uk

               

  Bus stations are located at Buckie, Fochabers, Aberlour, Craigellachie, and Aviemore (infrequent service to Speybridge near Grantown-on-Spey)

  www.travelinescotland.com/welcome.do

• Best Time to Travel

  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&B's close their doors. We would recommend visiting the area Spring/Autumn as the optimal time to visit - this way you are also less likely to have to fend off midges on your journey.