Speyside – Discovering Whisky Heritage 

Nestled along the banks of the River Spey and surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, Speyside is a region rich in natural beauty and even richer in flavour.  

Famous worldwide as the heart of Scotland’s whisky production, this picturesque corner of the country is home to over half of Scotland’s distilleries, making it a must-visit for whisky enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. 

Speyside’s whisky heritage is woven into the fabric of its identity.  

Here, the Speyside Whisky Trail leads you through historic distilleries such as Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Glenlivet, where centuries-old craftsmanship and traditional techniques are still practised to create some of the world’s finest single malts.  

Each distillery has its own character and unique flavour profile, offering visitors a chance to taste and discover the subtle differences that make Speyside whiskies so special.  

Tours, tastings, and masterclasses provide a behind-the-scenes look at the art of whisky-making, set against the backdrop of rolling hills, lush valleys, and meandering rivers. 

But Speyside is not just for whisky lovers. Its picturesque landscape is ideal for outdoor adventures and leisurely explorations.  

Hike through the enchanting forests of the Cairngorms National Park, where ancient pines and dramatic mountains create an awe-inspiring setting.  

Take a tranquil riverside walk along the Spey, one of Scotland’s longest and fastest-flowing rivers, which is famed for its salmon fishing.  

Or, for a touch of romance, visit Ballindalloch Castle, known as the “Pearl of the North,” with its beautiful gardens and scenic surroundings. 

History and culture are deeply rooted in Speyside’s small towns and villages.  

Explore the quaint streets of Aberlour, where you’ll find charming shops, cosy cafes, and a world-renowned shortbread bakery.  

Stop by the historic village of Craigellachie and cross the iconic cast-iron Telford Bridge, which offers a perfect photo opportunity with sweeping views of the River Spey.  

From Elgin’s majestic cathedral ruins to the atmospheric Knockando Woolmill, one of Scotland’s oldest working woollen mills, there’s a story to be uncovered around every corner. 

Nestled along the banks of the River Spey and surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, Speyside is a region rich in natural beauty and even richer in flavour.

Famous worldwide as the heart of Scotland’s whisky production, this picturesque corner of the country is home to over half of Scotland’s distilleries, making it a must-visit for whisky enthusiasts and curious travellers alike.

Speyside’s whisky heritage is woven into the fabric of its identity.

Here, the Speyside Whisky Trail leads you through historic distilleries such as Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Glenlivet, where centuries-old craftsmanship and traditional techniques are still practised to create some of the world’s finest single malts.

Each distillery has its own character and unique flavour profile, offering visitors a chance to taste and discover the subtle differences that make Speyside whiskies so special.

Tours, tastings, and masterclasses provide a behind-the-scenes look at the art of whisky-making, set against the backdrop of rolling hills, lush valleys, and meandering rivers.

But Speyside is not just for whisky lovers. Its picturesque landscape is ideal for outdoor adventures and leisurely explorations.

Hike through the enchanting forests of the Cairngorms National Park, where ancient pines and dramatic mountains create an awe-inspiring setting.

Take a tranquil riverside walk along the Spey, one of Scotland’s longest and fastest-flowing rivers, which is famed for its salmon fishing.

Or, for a touch of romance, visit Ballindalloch Castle, known as the “Pearl of the North,” with its beautiful gardens and scenic surroundings.

History and culture are deeply rooted in Speyside’s small towns and villages.

Explore the quaint streets of Aberlour, where you’ll find charming shops, cosy cafes, and a world-renowned shortbread bakery.

Stop by the historic village of Craigellachie and cross the iconic cast-iron Telford Bridge, which offers a perfect photo opportunity with sweeping views of the River Spey.

From Elgin’s majestic cathedral ruins to the atmospheric Knockando Woolmill, one of Scotland’s oldest working woollen mills, there’s a story to be uncovered around every corner.

Speyside offers a quintessentially Scottish experience, blending timeless traditions, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality.

Whether you’re sampling the “water of life” at one of its famed distilleries, soaking in the serenity of its natural beauty, or uncovering the region’s rich history, a visit to Speyside promises a journey full of unforgettable moments and flavours.

Your Accommodation: 

A grand Victorian mansion set in ornate terraced gardens and commanding views of the beautiful Spey Valley below.

The Hotel is a 19th century Baronial mansion, lovingly restored by the family who bought the business back in 2012, and is now a boutique hotel focused primarily on the provision of warm, friendly and consistently professional service.

Offering a cocktail bar, whisky snug and a la carte restaurant, our focus is on providing guests with a unique experience in the very heart of Speyside, an area renowned for breathtaking landscapes, internationally recognised whisky brands, authentic villages and towns and hub of historical breadth.

With sixteen en-suite rooms, ranging from cosy singles to eloquently styled king and super-size doubles.

Every room has tea and coffee-making facilities, a flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi and an en-suite bathroom or shower stocked with complimentary toiletries.

The a la carte restaurant open to both in-house and non-resident guests, offers everyday dining to the highest quality with an ethos centred on locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable produce used in dishes that celebrate traditional Scottish fayre and international cuisines alike.

The two bars, however, are pure Highlands: stocked with over five hundred single malt whiskies, including, for the connoisseur, a 1940 Macallan and a 1953 Glen Grant, and with beers from the micro-breweries hereabouts such as Spey Valley, WindSwept and Speyside Craft Brewery.

Whatever your reason for visiting Speyside – whether you’re here to relax and enjoy the scenery, sightsee the castles and take the ‘Whisky Trail’, walk the mountains, play some golf, enjoy a romantic weekend away, celebrate a special occasion or entertain your business clients – we invite you to join us and let us make your stay all that you could wish for.

Activities included in Package: 

Dufftown Distilleries Discovery – Get off the tourist track! Discover the Malt Whisky Capital of the World – with a local! 

The Dufftown Distilleries Discovery is a relaxed walking tour around the past and present distillery sites of Dufftown. Drink in the history and your surroundings while providing you with samples from the distilleries. Please note this tour does not go inside any of the distilleries, however, all tours include some awesome shortbread! 

Historical sites – Speyside offers lots of opportunities for sight-seeing. Just along the Spey stands Thomas Telford’s pioneering Craigellachie Bridge, built in 1814 of cast iron and supported by castellated stone turrets, it’s truly a gem of the nation’s industrial heritage hiding away here in the Highlands. As is the nearby Knockando Woolmill, which dates back to 1754 and is the oldest district working mill in Northern Europe. 

Take a stroll around Aberlour and visit the many independent cafes, delicatessens, arts and crafts and gift shops the village has to offer. Do not forget to visit the Walker’s Shortbread store and purchase your shortbread fresh from the bakery. 

Optional Activities: 

Distilleries Discovery with Food Pairing for Connoisseurs £ 175 – You will visit all 9 Dufftown distillery sites: Pittyvaich, Dufftown, Mortlach, Glendullan, Parkmore, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Kininvie and Convalmore. 

Samples from each distillery will be provided as well as from independent bottlers allowing you to compare different bottlings from the Dufftown distilleries. 

During the tour, we pair the whiskies with some delicious local delicacies. 

Foraging £ 100– From Chanterelles to Hedgehogs to Porcini, mushroom varieties are abundant in the area. If mushrooms are not your thing Speyside also has berries galore! Bilberries, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, elderberries and more! 

So why not come and spend a morning or afternoon foraging? Whatever you forage you keep!  

We can also help you create some great dishes. We have world-class game from the local butcher and fresh seafood from local fish merchants which we can combine with our treasures to create a locally sourced meal. Not to mention zero carbon footprint!! 

Foraging is obviously seasonal so we can’t guarantee what we will find but we will find something for you to enjoy, even your time outdoors and taking in the scenery.