A Taste of Whisky & Walking in Scotland's Speyside

Arrive in Aviemore and check into your comfortable guesthouse. Enjoy a gentle stroll around this lively mountain town, with its cafés, restaurants and outdoor shops set against the backdrop of the Cairngorm mountains. Aviemore is easily accessible by train with a mainline station on the Highland Main Line which connects the Scottish Highlands with Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth. Accommodation: Three nights in a comfortable and centrally located Aviemore guesthouse full of Highland character with friendly hosts and a generous Scottish breakfast.

Travel in vintage style on the Strathspey Steam Railway from Aviemore to Boat of Garten (20 mins- fare payable locally), then walk the Speyside Way back to town. It’s a lovely route through stands of native Caledonian pine forest and open moorland with views of the River Spey and the surrounding mountains. The Speyside Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails and the full route meanders from nearby Newtonmore all the way out to the coast on the Moray Firth at Buckie. This section is particularly lovely and a wonderful way to experience the unique landscape. As you return to Aviemore, the trail passes the Cairngorm Brewery at Dalfaber where you may wish to stop to sample the locally brewed ale.

There are several options for you to choose from today, or you can relax and wander around the town. We highly recommend the following excursions (all walk information and mapping will be provided in the Walkers’ Britain & Europe app). A) Cairngorm Mountain Funicular & Summit Walk (July–Aug only) – Take the bus to Cairngorm Mountain Station and ride the UK’s only mountain funicular railway to the summit. From here you can take part in a guided summit walk (July and August only) to enjoy the far-reaching views and learn about the natural environment. This is not included in the price but we can book it for you – talk to our team when you book. B) Walk in the Rothiemurchus Forest Estate – Enjoy a classic short lochside circuit at beautiful Loch an Eilein or hike to the Green Loch and Ryvoan Bothy. Both accessible by local bus from Aviemore. C) Newtonmore & the Wildcat Trail – Take the train (15 mins) to nearby Newtonmore to visit the award-winning Highland Folk Museum and learn about the Scottish Wildcat conservation project. Take the 10km/6 miles “Wildcat Trail” to enjoy fabulous views of the Cairngorm and Monadhliath mountain ranges.

A morning private transfer at 9.30am (45 mins) transports you and your luggage along the valley of the River Spey to Craigellachie in the heart of Speyside whisky country. Arrive at your comfortable hotel and take a walk into the village to explore on foot. Today we will organise a private whisky tasting for you – visit the tasting room at the Speyside Whisky Shop where an experienced member of the team will guide you through a selection of five Speyside drams. With over 100 whiskies to choose from, you can be assured that you will find something to your taste! Explore the village on foot and relax over dinner at the hotel. Accommodation: Two nights in a charming Victorian lodge set in the heart of Speyside whisky country. Rooms are elegant and comfortable, with period features that reflect the building’s heritage. The hotel offers warm hospitality, peaceful grounds and an inviting atmosphere after a day on the Speyside Way.

Walk a beautiful stretch of the Speyside Way south to Aberlour, where you can tour the distillery and learn about the craft behind this renowned whisky. Continue on to the Speyside Cooperage, the only place in Scotland still making traditional oak barrels to see the cooper craftsmen in action. You may also choose to visit the distillery at Macallan, also on the hiking route (tours must be booked in advance), or simply enjoy the tranquility of Scottish Speyside. Toast the end of your trip with a wee dram at your hotel before dinner!

Tour arrangements end after breakfast. You can spend further time exploring the area (ask our team about adding an extra night). Transfer to Elgin (local bus – 30 mins) or by taxi to pick up trains to Inverness or south to Edinburgh/Glasgow. Inverness Airport also close.