Walking the Speyside Way
The Speyside Way is a long distance trail which follows the River Spey, running from Buckie on the Moray Firth to Aviemore in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, through the Scotlands’s famous Malt Whisky country.
Along the way there are many attractive villages and small towns, castles, and wildlife to be seen and of course the opportunity to visit some of the most famous whisky distilleries in Scotland, such as the Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and the Macallan.
The 64 mile Speyside Trail is an easy and generally level walk and a walk suitable for all abilities including children.
Beginning in the former port at Buckpool you follow the shore of the Moray Firth to reach Spey Bay. From here you follow the winding River Spey from which the trail gets its name on paths, old railway tracks, forest trails and through farmland to Aviemore, Scotland’s well known winter ski resort in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains.
You walk through splendid scenery from coastlands and rich green farmland to purple heather covered hills and ancient deep green Caledonian forests.
There is a wonderful variety of bird-life to observe including seabirds and waders of the Spey estuary , and from the inland mountains and lochs, Sea Eagles, Buzzards, and Ospreys.
There is also the option to extend your walk to the little Highland towns of Tomintoul and Dufftown, a total distance then of 84ml(135km).
At 1164ft in the Cairngorms National Park, Tomintoul is the highest village in the Highlands and a perfect example of an 18th Century Scottish Highland planned village.
Dufftown is a small market town in the heart of Speyside and the biggest exporter of whisky in Britain. There is plenty of evidence of the business with many distilleries around town, such as Glenfiddich, the largest of all of them.
The Whisky Museum tells the story of the water of life, while the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, held twice a year, is a must for enthusiasts. Other than whisky, attractions include the Keith and Dufftown Railway, and Balvenie and Auchindoun Castles.
For a detailed itinerary or further information or advice on walking the Speyside Trail , please call or e-mail our Walk Team, on our contact details below.
Celtic Trails is one of Britain’s most experienced walking companies.
We will plan your ideal walking holiday along the Speyside Way, you simply choose when to go!
