Speyside Way walking itinerary

Distance:
69 miles (111 km)
Airports:
Inverness

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner

This fine Scottish long distance route follows the valley of the River Spey from Buckie on the Moray Firth Coast of Scotland to Aviemore in the foothills of the Cairngorms. The Speyside Way includes a 'spur' to Dufftown, the whiskey capital of the world. As you walk the Speyside Way, you'll pass everything from fishing harbours to farmland.

Day 1: Buckie - Fochabers

Buckie - Fochabers: 10 miles (16 km)
Totals for Day: 10 miles (16 km)

Buckie

The Speyside Way starts at the village of Buckie. Stretching 3 miles along the coast, it's no surprise that Buckie is a fishing village - Buckie harbour is one of the most active in Scotland. Along the coast of Buckie, you might just be lucky enough to see a dolpin - groups of 20 or more have been seen along this part of the coast.

Must see & do:

Fochabers Folk Museum | Baxters Highland Village | Barnyard Design Studios

Fochabers

The village of Focabers is the first stop on the Speyside Way. Fochabers lies on the east side of the River Spey. This charming and attractive village has a rich musical and cultural history. The 18th century Georgian church in the south of Focabers is well worth a visit, as is the Fochabers Folk Museum, which covers national and local history.

Must see & do:

Barnyard Design Studios | Urquhart Pottery | Baxters Highland Village

Day 2: Fochabers - Craigellachie - Dufftown

Fochabers - Craigellachie: 13 miles (21 km)
Craigellachie - Dufftown: 4 miles (6 km)
Totals for Day: 17 miles (27 km) 

Craigellachie

The first stop on your walk today is Craigellachie. This village lies where the River Spey meets the River Fiddich. Sitting on a clifftop, Craigellachie dates back to the 18th century. You'll find 2 distilleries in the village - the Craigellachie Distellery, which dates back to 1891, and the Macallan, which produces a highly rated single malt. 

Must see & do:

Balvenie Castle | Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre

Dufftown

The village of Dufftown is the Malt Whiskey capital of the world. It dates back to 1817 when it was built by the Earl of Fife, James Duff. In the village and its surrounding areas, there are 5 distilleries, the most famous of these being Glenfiddich Distillery. Pick up some of the world's finest Whiskey before heading back to Craigellaichie.

Must see & do:

Mortlach Church | Village Store | Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre

Day 3: Craigellachie - Ballindalloch

Craigellachie - Ballindalloch: 9 miles (14 km)
Totals for Day: 9 miles (14 km) 

Ballindalloch

Today the Speyside Way takes you to Ballindalloch, home to Ballindallock Castle. Known as the 'Pearl of the North', the castle dates from the 16th century, and is one of the very few privately owned castles in Scotland to be lived in continuously by its original family. Take a tour of Ballindallock Castle and its stunning gardens.

Must see & do:

Mortlach Church | Glenfiddich Distillery

Day 4: Ballindalloch - Grantown

Ballindalloch - Grantown: 13 miles (21 km)
Totals for Day: 13 miles (21 km) 

Grantown

Grantown is situated in the centre of the Highlands of Scotland. This traditional Highland town is a fine example of a Georgian planned town - it was built in the 1760s. Relax in the stunning woodlands that surround Grantown, and visit Grantown Museum, voted Scottish Museum of the Year in 1999.

Must see & do:

Revack Estate | Nethybridge Pottery | Speyside Heather Centre

Day 5: Grantown - Boat of Garten

Grantown - Boat of Garten: 11 miles (18 km)
Totals for Day: 11 miles (18 km)

Boat of Garten

The peaceful Highland village of Boat of Garten is set amongst heather-clad hills and native woodland. It's also known as 'The Osprey Village', due to the presence of the Abernethy Forest RSPB Reserve on the shores of Loch Garten. The village is the perfect place to relax and explore the Highlands.

Must see & do:

Landmark Forest Heritage Park | Speyside Heather Centre | Auchgourish Gardens

Day 6: Boat of Garten - Aviemore

Boat of Garten - Aviemore: 6 miles (10 km)
Totals for Day: 6 miles (10 km)

Aviemore

Today you reach the town of Aviemore, where the Speyside Way ends. Situated in the foothills of the Cairngorms, the largest National Park in Britain, Aviemore is surrounded by spectacular scenery. But it mixes this with modern entertainment - a theatre, swimming pool, dry ski slope and go-karting track, giving you plenty of ways for you to relax after your long walk.

Must see & do:

Rothiemurchus Estate | Strathspey Railway | Fun House