The Spey rises in the Cairngorms and then wends its way to the sea on the Moray Coast. An area of great natural beauty whose waters make it a prized home to some of the world's great whisky distilleries and malts.
The River Spey is Scotland's second longest river, rising in the hills above Loch Laggan and making its way northeast to where it debouches at Spey Bay, on the Moray coast. Speyside is one of Scotland's loveliest valleys and is synonymous with two of Scotland's greatest products, salmon and whisky. The upper part, Strathspey, is equally famous for its hiking, skiing and watersports. It is covered in the Highlands chapter. This section covers the lower part of the valley and comprises the famous Malt Whisky Trail. There are more malt whisky distilleries in this small area than in any other part of the country, including some famous brands such as Glenlivet and Glenfiddich. However, it's not all whisky in these parts: there's also some fine walking along the 45-mile Speyside Way, which runs from Spey Bay south to Tomintoul.
Getting Around Speyside
Bluebird Buses, Tel. 01224-212266, run a daily service from Elgin (No 336). There's also a service (Nos 360 & 361) which connects Dufftown with Keith and Aberlour (Mon-Fri). For details call W W Smith, Tel. 01542-882113.
Dufftown's Tourist Information Centre is inside the Clock Tower in the centre of the main square, Tel. 820501. They have maps and information on the whisky trail. Open Apr-8 Jul Mon-Sat 1000-1300, 1400-1700; 9 Jul-19 Aug Mon-Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1300-1800; 20 Aug-27 Oct Mon-Sat 1000-1300, 1400-1700.
Things to see in Speyside
Places Of Interest
Just outside of town, on the A941 to Craigellachie, is the Glenfiddich Distillery, the town's most famous distillery and one of the best known of all malt whiskies. Behind the distillery are the 13th-century ruins ofBalvenie Castle, built by Alexander 'Black' Comyn, then added to in the 15th and 16th centuries, and visited by Mary, Queen of Scots in 1562. Apr-Sep Sat-Wed 0930-1630 (closed Thu and Fri), £3, concession £2.30, children £1.30. Tel. 820121 (HS). Four miles north of Dufftown, at the junction of the A941 and A95, is the little village of Craigellachie, site of the Speyside Cooperage and where you can see Thomas Telford's beautiful bridge over the River Spey.
Speyside is not just famous for its whisky. The River Spey is synonymous with salmon fishing and the the popular walking trail of Speyside Way, which follows much of the spectacular sights along the old railway. The nearby village of Aberlour is the home of Walkers Shortbread, Tel. 01340-871555. About eight miles southwest of Craigiellachie, on the A95 to Grantown-on- Spey, is beautiful Ballindalloch Castle, a mile west of the village of Marypark. The castle is one of the loveliest in the northeast and has been lived in continuously by its original family, the Macpherson-Grants, since 1546. It houses a fine collection of Spanish paintings and the extensive grounds are home to the famous Aberdeen-Angus herd of cattle, bred here since 1860. Easter-end Sep Sun-Fri 1000-1700, £7 entry, concessions £6, children 3.50, Tel. 01807-500205.
Also in Ballindalloch is the Glenfarclas Distillery. Tours Apr-Sep Mon-Fri 1000-1700; Jul-Sep Mon-Sat 1000-1600; Oct-Mar Mon-Fri 1000-1600, £3.50, children free, Tel. 01807-500257.It offers worthwhile experience. www.glenfarclas.co.uk
A restored old train powered by a diesel engine runs from Dufftown to Drummuir (5 miles) and on to Keith (10 miles) on Saturday and Sunday, Tel. 821181, at 1330 and 1500.
Festivals
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, held every year during the first long weekend in May offers a perfect excuse for you to make a visit to Speyside before the start of the main tourism season. The Festival is an occasion to celebrate Scotland’s national drink through a range of interesting and fun filled whisky-inspired events.
Regions
Cairngorms & Speyside-
Granite Cottage, Nethy Bridge, Scottish Highlands - Sleeps 4/6
Granite Cottage is a superb self-contained holiday first floor accommodation in the heart of Cairngorms National Park & the Highlands of Scotland.
- Sleeps: 4-6
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Easter Corrie Holiday Cottages, Cairngorms
Come and stay in the Cairngorms - Scotland's largest National Park - in one of our comfortable and attractive self catering holiday cottages at Easter Corrie.
- Sleeps: 4-6
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Hillview Cottage, Cairngorms - with Hot Tub, sleeps 14
Self Catering cottage with fantastic living space, hot tub, wi-fi and loads to do in the area. Sleeps 12.
- Sleeps: 14
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The Mill Glenlivet - Sleeps 6
An idyllic tranquil mountain retreat with panoramic views. Relax and escape the world in this lovingly converted mill. Open log fire, cosy mezzanine library, open plan living area and 3 charmingly furnished bedrooms, one with ensuite.
- Sleeps: 6
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Old Pine Yurt Tomintoul
Located in the foothills of Cairngorms near Tomintoul village in old Pine wood. Asian yurt with double bed for two.
- Sleeps: 2
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Allachy House Apartment sleeps 6
Large and traditional apartment in central Aberlour that sleeps 6 in three bedrooms. The apartment is located on the first floor of Allachy House which is a traditional Victorian house.
- Sleeps: 6
Speyside Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Dalvrecht Manse House near Tomintoul - Sleeps 8
Detached house/manse situated two miles from the village of Tomintoul in cairngorms. Sleeps 8 people in 4 bedrooms. Lovely location.
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The Coach House, Dulnain Bridge, Sleeps 2
The Coach House, set in the grounds of the Edwardian Auchendean Lodge, is furnished to a very high standard, and a wonderful holiday base. The apartment shares unbeatable views of Strathspey, from the doub... -
Haugh of Glass Cottage, nr Huntly - Sleeps 4
Surrounded by a beautifully maintained landscaped garden, featuring a pond, fountain, seating areas, barbecue, patio and summer house, this charming property enjoys a tranquil leafy location .... -
The Old Kennels, Tomintoul - Sleeps 7
The Old Kennels sits above Tomintoul, reputedly the highest village in the Highlands, with spectacular views across to the mountains beyond. This single-storey, traditionally built holiday cottage was wher... -
The Smithy Croft, Dufftown - Sleeps 6
Set in the magnificent scenery of Glen Rinnes this attractive detached holiday cottage offers peace and relaxation. Surrounded by the hills of the Glenfiddich Estate to the front and the brooding bulk of B... -
The Lodge,Glenlivet, sleeps 4
With stunning views over the Cromdale Hills in the Cairngorms National Park, this very warm, comfortable and tastefully furnished, single-storey detached lodge offers a wonderful get away and an ideal holi... -
Ailnack Cottage, Cairngorms - Sleeps 4-6
This, cosy, single storey cottage is set in its own garden yet close to the centre of the village with good selection of shops, restaurants and cafes. It makes a great base for exploring this fascinating r... -
Milton Holiday House near River Spey - Sleeps 8
Large detached house in the Speyside village of Archiestown near Rothes. Sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. -
Livet House, Tomintoul - Sleeps 5-6
These two traditional holiday properties are situated in a quiet location close to the centre of Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands, within the stunning scenery of the Cairngorm National Park,... -
Woodside Cottage, nr Keith - Sleeps 5
Nestling in 24 acres of natural grounds and woodland, this lovely detached holiday cottage, near to the owners house, is set in a beautiful, remote, sheltered location within easy reach of Dufftown. It enj...