Day 1 |
|
Travel to Buckie for your first night's accommodation. |
Day 2 |
Buckie to Fochabers
(10 miles / 16 km) |
Starting from Buckpool Harbour in the fishing port of Buckie, the Speyside Way follows easy paths along the dramatic coastline of the Moray Firth. At Spey Bay the route continues along riverside paths and tracks to Fochabers. At the end of your day's walk pay a visit to Baxters Highland Village to sample their world famous soups and produce - it's well worth a visit and a great way to end your day. |
Day 3 |
Fochabers to Craigellachie
(13 miles / 21 km) |
From Fochabers the Speyside Way follows the east bank of the river, joining a quiet road high above the Spey. From Boat O'Brig it follows forest tracks along the side of Ben Aigan with views along the Spey valley before descending into the attractive village of Craigellachie. Visit the Macallan Distillery or extend your route to follow the 4 mile 'Dufftown Spur' to this charming little town and the malt whisky capital of the world. It's home to the Glenfiddich Distillery. |
Day 4 |
Craigellachie to Ballindalloch
(12 miles / 19 km) |
The Way continues it's journey south with easy walking through a wooded valley and along riverside and farmland. It passes through the villages of Aberlour, Carron and Knockando and for a good distillery visit, make a 2 mile detour to Cardhu Distillery. The route then arrives in Ballindalloch, a small village surrounded by majestic hills and just a scattering of houses.
Here you'll find Ballindalloch Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and known as the 'pearl of the north'. A visit to the Castle and it's gardens will be a real highlight of your walking holiday. |
Day 5 |
Ballindalloch to Tomintoul
(15 miles / 24 km) |
The section of the Speyside Way from Ballindalloch to Tomintoul will provide you with a wonderful taste of walking in wild, isolated countryside and for many this is the most memorable part of the route. You'll follow a track over the west shoulder of Ben Rinnes, commanding wonderful views before descending to the legendary Glenlivet Distillery. Enjoy a guided tour of the distillery and sample a dram of this world famous single malt whisky. From Glenlivet it's a climb to Carn Diamh, which at 1870ft is the highest point on the route, before descending into Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands. |
Day 6 |
Ballindalloch to Grantown-on-Spey
(13 miles / 21 km) |
After being transferred back to Ballindalloch by your hospitable accommodation providers, the Way continues past Cragganmore Distillery, crossing farmland and following foresty tracks on it's way to Cromdale. The route then follows a meandering track through superb pine woods emerging eventually on the outskirts of Grantown-on-Spey. |
Day 7 |
Grantown-on-Spey to Aviemore
(17 miles / 27.5 km) |
On the final leg of your journey enjoy easy walking amongst the farms, woods and moorland of Strathspey. From Grantown the route takes you past the Spey Valley Smokehouse and follows a track heading directly for the village of Nethybridge. It then crosses the Abernethy Nature Reserve to the village of Boat of Garten. En-route you may wish to take a side trip to Loch Garten, a delightful spot in the depths of Abernethy Forest and where you can visit the RSPB Nature Reserve and Osprey Centre. From Boat of Garten it is then only 6 miles across wonderful heather moorland beside the Strathspey Steam Railway line to the end of the Speyside Way at Aviemore. |
