There is so much to see and do when visiting Scotland’s Speyside region. The area is packed with golf courses, beautiful sandy beaches, stunning scenery, pretty villages, outstanding fly-fishing and fascinating historic monuments to visit, and that’s all in addition to its fame for fantastic whiskies.
For whisky lovers, the area has around 50 distilleries scattered around the valleys and is home to some of the biggest names in Scottish whisky, including The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich, the two best-selling single malt whiskies in the world. Some of the distilleries are open to visitors, providing tours and some even offer free samples.
Running through the region is the River Spey, famous for salmon fishing and by following its banks, by car and on foot, you will be able to appreciate the stunning natural beauty of an area shaped by the coastline of the Moray Firth to the north and the Cairngorm Mountains to the south.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay that is quirky, stylish, extravagant or just affordable, then there is plenty of choice of accommodation in Speyside. Choose from charming cottages, B&Bs, camping and self-catering lodges, to grand historic hotels. Speyside offers a wide variety of places that serve delicious food, whether you are looking for fine dining or something a little more rustic.
While you are visiting Speyside, keep an eye out for pine martin, red squirrels, red and roe deer and otters. Keep a look out up above you for ospreys and perhaps even a golden eagle. Local wildlife-watching tours are a great way to get to know the local wildlife and they run guided tours for individuals and groups.
If you enjoy having the chance to stretch your legs, The Speyside Way runs for 80 miles and is one of Scotland’s four official long distance walking routes. The route runs from Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park, to Buckie, on the Moray coast. The road follows the course of the River Spey and is split into eight sections, so you don’t have to do the entire route if you don’t have the time or energy. The fourth section of the route, from Craigellachie to Ballindalloch, offers an enjoyable 12-mile walk that takes in Aberlour and Ballindalloch Castle.
