Summer along The Malt Whisky Trail

It has long been said that the Highlander’s reward for enduring wild northern winters is the glorious northern summers that follow — and nowhere are those long days better spent than in Moray Speyside, enjoying everything The Malt Whisky Trail has to offer.

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As the sun hits Scotland’s mountains and glens, bringing a flurry of colour back once again to the rolling landscape and making the lochs, rivers and coastlines glisten, the invitation to explore is one which simply can not be ignored. This summer why not take the time to really discover Speyside; home to the largest concentration of Scotch malt whisky distilleries in the world.  

The Malt Whisky Trail is a uniquely immersive whisky experience, but the journey you’ll take along the way is about so much more. As you embark on the road through malt whisky country, you’ll encounter a huge variety of sites to see and things to do. You’ll find globally renowned textiles mills, spritely seaside cafés and the very best of Scotland’s larder, world-class outdoor pursuits and history and intrigue along the way.

The drive from Aviemore to Forres consists of a huge variety of sites to see and things to do.

• Drinking
  • Experience Scotland’s national drink right in the heart of malt whisky country with the infamous distilleries and whisky bars known all over the world. You can also share the love of whisky with others at any of the local watering holes along The Trail. 
• Eating
  • The Malt Whisky Trail is blessed with an abundance of quality produce, and a legion of passionate people who are committed to using our ingredients as best they can. Along the length and breadth of The Trail, there are fantastic places to eat and discover everything that the Moray Speyside larder has to offer.
• Outdoors
  • Moray Speyside has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a relaxing stroll in the fresh air. Throughout The Trail you will never venture far from the famous River Spey, the eighth largest river in the UK and internationally renowned for its salmon fishing. Alternatively, pick up the pace on your bike and see if you can spot the exquisite wildlife along the Moray coastal cycle route from Burghead to Cullen.You can also take your golf game to the next level with the vast array of different courses you can take your swing at. 
• History & Heritage
  • The north-east of Scotland is steeped in history and is home to more castles than anywhere else in the UK. Moray Speyside also happens to be the source of the very first Scotch whisky boom, making it the must-visit-destination for whisky and history lovers. If you’re a Shakespeare buff, you can even visit one of the first towns mentioned in Macbeth. Allow yourself to step back in time and enjoy Speyside’s past. 
• Crafts & Shopping
  • If you love arts and crafts, Speyside has long been associated with craftsmanship, and is home to famous mills and textile producers, dating back as far as the eighteenth century. You’ll find an abundance of beautiful and unique cashmere, tweed, and hand woven cloth along the Trail. Along the journey you will find galleries and studios, perfect for purchasing meaningful mementos and locally produced gifts. 

The Malt Whisky Trail Podcast provides behind the scenes insights into the whisky masters of the region, top tips for things to do in malt whisky country, and other activities to enjoy in the Speyside area. Past podcasts can be found here.