The Speyside Way offers the chance to experience so much of what
Scotland has to offer visitors. The route takes you through all types of
countryside from the open coastlands, through farm and forest in the
Spey valley (which, with its tributaries, provides the clear water for
making whisky), and over high mountain passes towards the wilderness of
the Cairngorm Mountains.
Each part of the walk has its own distinct wildlife and points of
interest, and it perfectly suits walkers who want to build up gradually
from gentle walking to more strenuous climbs. Some of the points on the
route are some distance from the best farmhouse or bed and breakfast
accommodation, so we arrange for you to be collected and dropped off on
the route. Staying with local families in their homes is all part of the
experience, and you will always receive the warmest of welcomes. There
is the chance to visit distilleries which produce the famous Speyside
malt whisky. As an added bonus, the holiday includes a free visit to the
famous Glenfiddich Distillery.
Day 1 Arrive and explore the town of Buckie. Buckie lies either side of the
the mouth of the Burn of Buckie where it flows into the Moray Firth. It
was formed by the growing together of a series of once separate fishing
villages. Overnight Buckie.
Day 2 Buckie to Fochabers 10 miles
The first day’s walk is a mixture of coastal and gentle river walking to
Fochabers, on the east side of the River Spey. This is the nearest
point to the sea. Overnight Forchabers.(B)
Day 3 Fochabers to Craigellachie 13 miles
Riverside and forest walking with some uphill stretches to Craigellachie
which llies at the heart of Speyside. This is the place where the two
rivers, the Spey and the Fiddich, most closely associated with Scotch
Whisky business meet.. Overnight Craigellachie. (B)
Day 4 Dufftown to Craigellachie 7 miles
Transfer to Dufftown, with time for a visit to Glenfiddich Distillery.
Then, a gentle walk, mainly in woodland, along the side of the River
Fiddich. (B)
Day 5 Craigellachie to Ballindalloch 12 miles
The walk today is a quiet quiet riverside walk along a disused railway
passing several distilleries along the way. Overnight Ballindalloch. (B)
Day 6 Ballindalloch to Grantown 13 miles
Walk along some rougher tracks and forest tracks to Grantown for overnight. (B)
Day 7 Grantown to Boat of Garten 11 miles
Walk in the Abernethy Forest RSPB Reserve on the shores of Loch Garten,
just to the east of the Spey to Boat of Garten – “The Osprey Village”.
After being driven to near extinction, a pair of Ospreys reappeared at
Loch Garten in 1954 and there have been ospreys breeding here ever
since. Overnight Boat of Garten.(B)
Day 8 Boat of Garden to Aviemore 14 miles
Walk along heather moor through birch and pine woodland to Aviemore,
made famous with the advent of the Railway it is now the major ski
resort of Scotland. Overnight Aviemore. (B)
Day 9: Departure after breakfast (B)
Dates & Prices:
Tour prices are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement is only applicable if you are traveling solo and/or have a room to yourself.
Tour
Dates |
Tour
Price |
Single
Supplement |
| April through October |
$1,500 |
TBD |
What's Included:
Your trip price includes the following. For additional information, please call or email us at
and one of our exceptional Travel Advisors will be happy to share with you all kinds of details.
- All accomodations with private bath
- 8 Breakfasts
- Trail maps and detailed notes
- Luggage transfers for each day
- Local emergency contact
“Meals at our
hotel were superb, outstanding. Pub lunches
were excellent. Our guide’s leadership
was a high point of the trip — his
knowledge of the region (topography, history,
social and cultural characteristics), his
overall concern for the group, his keen
insight and well-developed sense of humor
were magnificent.”
D Swoap Clearwater, FL
“For the Cotswolds — an
area steeped in history — one needs
a guide who is steeped in the knowledge
of it. Ours met this criterion to the max.”
J & C Tate Malvern, PA
“It was a very
friendly group — helping to make
the tour an excellent experience. Meals
were superb, both the quality of the food
and the serving staff.”
A Matz PA
Best Time to Go
April to middle of October subject to weather conditions.
Convenient Airport
Edinburgh Airport
Glasgow Airport
Traveling By Rail
Buckie is accessible by rail with service from Glasgow Queen Street Station. For rail information including reservations, time schedules and current fares please refer to BritRail at (800) 677-8585 or www.britrail.com. In the UK call (08457) 484950, or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. Another useful resource is The Train Line at www.thetrainline.com.
Weather
Follow this link to the Meteorological Office for information on climate and rainfall averages in Scotland.
