Malt Whisky Trail is the perfect getaway
This week’s blog comes to you from Laurie Piper, Tourism Operations Manager at Moray Speyside Tourism
If you still have a while to wait before your summer holiday but are in need of a short break, The Malt Whisky Trail is the perfect getaway.
In beautiful Moray Speyside, the global capital of whisky, you can immerse yourself in world class whisky visitor centres, indulge in Speyside’s larder or enjoy our long golden beaches and blue waters.
Only around an hours drive from Inverness and Aberdeen airport, or on the Keith, Elgin and Forres train lines or hop on from London with the Caledonian Sleeper to Aviemore, Inverness or Aberdeen. If you prefer to drive, the journey through the A9 and A89 roads and will hit the famous brown pagoda signs marking your arrival in Malt Whisky Country.
The Glenlivet & Speyside Way
When visiting one of the world’s most celebrated distilleries The Glenlivet, take time to travel north to Aberlour, set along the River Spey. Walk along the Speyside Way to view its unparalleled scenery or step into the charming town and explore the abundance of independent shops, including the Spey Larder and the original Walker’s Shortbread store.
Glenfiddich & Strathisla
Visiting distilleries Glenfiddich and Strathisla will bring you to the neighboring towns of Dufftown and Keith. Surrounding Glenfiddich is the rich heritage of Dufftown which includes The Whisky Shop with a wide collection of Speyside whiskies and the Balvenie Castle built in the 1200’s making it one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles. Journey on a trip on Scotland’s most northerly preserved heritage railway from Dufftown to Keith and absorb the
breathtaking landscapes on your way.
Glen Grant, Speyside Cooperage and Cardhu
Traveling to Craigellachie and Rothes will bring you will have the opportunity to visit Glen Grant, Cardhu, and record-breaking The Speyside Cooperage. After a stroll of the Glen Grant Gardens, visit the local Station Hotel Cafe & Bistro, Toots which is owned by Forsyth’s, the famous copper still makers. Take a short drive to neighboring town
Craigellachie and explore the village’s alluring shops before rounding off the evening at the coveted The Copper Dog pub and restaurant at The Craigellachie Hotel followed by a whisky cocktail upstairs in their world-famous Quaich Bar.
Dallas Dhu, Benromach and Glen Moray
Heading to the coast on a visit Dallas Dhu, Benromach, or Glen Moray whisky centres, be sure to make the most of the regions just south of Forres, Findhorn Bay for watersports, harbour front cafes and bars as well as lovely coastal walks. Move further south to Elgin to tour Glen Moray and enjoy a tasting tour at their visitor centre.
Afterwards, take in the scenery of the local Elgin Cathedral, once considered Scotland’s most beautiful cathedral, and be sure to indulge at Johnston’s of Elgin a luxury textiles and cashmere hub which supplies some of the world’s top fashion houses.
Wherever your short break takes you within the Malt Whisky Trail, come and enjoy whisky and much more that beautiful Moray Speyside has to offer.