Top 5 Hidden Gems on the Malt Whisky Trail
We have collated a list of our favourite enchanting hidden spots around and about The Malt Whisky Trail that you WON’T find on the typical tourist routes. Explore and enjoy!
Here are our ‘Top 5 Hidden Gems on the Malt Whisky Trail’.
1. //Queen’s View between Aberlour and Craigellachie – Near Glen Grant, Glenfiddich, Speyside Cooperage
The story goes that Queen’s View was given it’s name because a very famous visitor – Queen Victoria. And you can understand why she visited when you see the picture perfect view down the iconic River Spey and Spey Valley. The walk up isn’t going to break a sweat and is well suited to a cold Speyside winter’s day with flask of coffee to take in the view at the top.
Image Credit: Walkers Shortbread
2. //Cove Bay, Near Hopeman
A little further away from the main Malt Whisky Trail sites is the hidden little cove known as Cove Bay which you will stumble across if walking along the coast line from Hopeman toward Lossiemouth. With ancient rock formations, birds, bottlenose dolphins and wild flowers to see, Cove Bay is nature at its best. Keep on walking along the towards Lossiemouth and you will experience the beautiful coastline that National Geographic Magazine once voted as one of the top coastlines in the world. An accolade we’re pretty proud of here in Moray! For more information on The Moray Coastal Trail, click on this link and we advise you to take note of the safety notes featured.
Image Credit: Rotorworx
3. //Randolphs Leap – near Benromach and Dallas Dhu.
Located near the town of Forres, home of Benromach Distillery, Randolph’s Leap is a gorgeous stretch of the River Findhorn where the two sheer rock banks are at their closest. But where does the name come from? The story goes that this was the point where a young Comyn (Cumming) and his men leapt over the river in fear for their lives whilst being chased by local chief Thomas Randolph, the 1st Earl of Moray.
Image Credit: Andy Innes Arial Photography
4. //Packhorse Bridge – near Glenlivet
Located near Glenlivet Distillery, this truly picturesque structure spans the Livet at Bridgend of Glenlivet. Only two arches of the bridge have survived – the third was ripped away by floodwater during the great “Muckle Spate” of 1829. No-one knows exactly how old the bridge is, but it’s likely to have been built at the same time as nearby Blairfindy Castle (16th Century).
5. //Auchnidoun Castle
Trek up to the lonely ruin of a 1400s stronghold. Auchindoun was sold to Sir Adam Gordon in 1567. Gordon’s claim to fame was the murder of all the occupants of Corgarff Castle during a feud in 1571. Auchindoun Castle was burned by William Mackintosh in revenge. By 1725 the castle lay derelict.
The ruined castle stands alone in a spectacular setting amid a landscape mostly devoid of settlements. It’s lonely, romantic location and perfectly framed vistas make it worth the walk up.
Image Credit: @bckloon_photography
Hope you enjoy visiting our ‘Top 5’ and make sure to tag us in your pictures!