Outdoors

Travelling the length of The Malt Whisky Trail, you can’t help but have your breath taken away by the sweeping landscapes. To the north, you’ll find award winning beaches and charming seaside towns. To the south, you’ll discover tall forests, dramatic mountains, and the mighty River Spey.

This unique landscape – encompassing the best of Scotland – is more than just a pretty feature. It’s the backdrop for a whole host of outdoor pursuits that make The Malt Whisky Trail a fantastic place to get outdoors and get active.

A cyclists’ paradise

The Malt Whisky Trail runs along some of Scotland’s most scenic cycling routes. Get your adrenaline pumping with mountain biking routes for all abilities – taking you through wild forests, undulating sand dunes, and panoramic mountain tracks.

Of course, Moray Speyside is also the perfect place to take a more leisurely pace – to slow down, and explore the delights of The Malt Whisky Trail in your own time.

The Moray Coastal Cyle Path runs in close proximity to Glen Moray and Benromach distilleries, and links the region’s famous seaside villages. The Malt Whisky Trail also sits on National Cycle Network Route One.

Glenlivet Mountain Biking Trails sit near the foot of The Trail. Working their way through the stunning Glenlivet estate, these trails are an ideal way to experience local wildlife as part of a thrilling ride.

Meander along the Speyside Way

The Speyside Way is one of only four official long distance walking routes in Scotland, and stretches the length of The Trail and beyond, following the River Spey.

If you’re visiting the Glen Grant distillery in Rothes or the Speyside Cooperage, why not take a short drive to Craigellachie where you’ll find ample parking to set off and explore the River Spey on foot. The full Speyside Way can take a few days, but setting off from Craigellachie and taking a leisurely walk into Aberlour for a coffee at The Gather’n or a spot of lunch is a great way to enjoy this glorious landscape.

Take to the water

The Moray Firth, enveloping the north of The Malt Whisky Trail, is one of Scotland’s finest water sports centres.

Findhorn Marina is in Findhorn Bay, surrounded by tall pines and deep sand dunes. It offers a range of yachting and water sport for all ages and abilities including windsurfing, power boating, and dinghy sailing.

North 58‘s wildlife adventure cruises along the Firth are perfect for those who want to take to the water, without getting wet. It’s the perfect way to round-up a morning at one of The Malt Whisky Trail’s sites.

Take time to explore

Of course spending time outdoors isn’t all about taking part in sports! Whilst the stunningly varied landscape of The Malt Whisky Trail is a great setting to get active, taken at a slower, gentler pace it is also a haven for all kinds of wildlife, flora, and fauna. The forests, rivers, and seas that make up the Moray Speyside landscape are home to ecosystems which support some truly stunning wildlife.

As you work your way through The Malt Whisky Trail, take some time out to discover the richness of our countryside.

The Glenlivet Estate, near the distillery of the same name, is a fantastic place to discover Speyside’s vibrant ecosystem. Set in the Cairngorm National Park, a number of Scottish favourites are often seen here including the famous red squirrel and red deer, while some of the rarer animals such as the golden eagle and black grouse are also often spotted.

Scottish Whale and Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay is a great place to spot some of the large population of dolphins that call the Moray Firth home, which can often be spotted leaping from the waters from any number of beaches. The centre is also a great place to spot otters and other creatures, and learn more about these majestic animals.