Speyside Way - South to North
A walking holiday along the Speyside Way from Aviemore in the South to Buckie in the North
We also offer these routes from North to South. For more information on walking these routes in the opposite direction, click here.
The reverse version of the Speyside Way starts in the stunning outdoor centre of Aviemore, in the Cairngorms National Park and continues along a wonderful trail of forest, woodland and riverside scenery, through Malt Whisky Country and along the shores of the Moray Firth to the little fishing port of Buckie.
From Aviemore, the trail follows the line of the Strathspey Railway before it visits Boat of Garten, where the large population of Osprey have earned the village the name of ‘Osprey Village.’ After admiring these impressive birds, the trail continues on gentle paths to Grantown on Spey, through the Abernethy Nature Reserve, where Caledonian pinewood forests provide a wonderful habitat for a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels.
Leaving the fine buildings of Grantown on Spey, the trail passes through beautiful woodland and follows forestry tracks to the small village of Ballindalloch where the fairy tale Ballindalloch Castle has come to be known as ‘the pearl of the North’ and the Glenfarclas Distillery can be visited.
The optional ‘Tomintoul Spur’ can be walked from Ballindalloch. This 15-mile (24km) extension is a challenging walk along an old drover’s road, passing the Glenlivet Distillery and traversing Carn Daimh on the way to the highest village in the Highlands, Tomintoul.
Back on the route of the Speyside Way, the trail once again follows the route of the Strathspey railway and passes the Aberlour and Knockando distilleries. A variety of woodland, farmland and riverside scenery guide the trail to Craigellachie, where the rivers Spey and Fiddich meet and a further two distilleries beg to be explored.
The ‘Dufftown Spur’ is a short 4 mile (6.5km) walk that leaves the Speyside Way and follows the River Fiddich to the Glenfiddich Distillery and the Malt Whisky Capital of Dufftown. To the North of Dufftown are the ruins of Balvenie Castle, surrounded by pretty woodland.
Returning to the Speyside Way, the trail skirts the slopes of Ben Aigen and approaches the lovely village of Fochabers, which has a rich culture and intriguing history. Passing through pretty woodlands and fishing villages such as Portknockie, where there are spectacular views from the town’s cliff tops, the trail continues along the Moray Firth to the little fishing port of Buckie, where a celebratory dram of your favourite Whisky will provide the perfect conclusion to this delightful walk in the heart of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Country.
Holiday Highlights
- Visiting the Malt Whisky Capital of Dufftown and the famous distilleries of Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, The Macallan and Craigellachie.
- Admiring the Pearl of the North at Ballindalloch Castle.
- Spotting the wildlife along the trail, including Ospreys at ‘Osprey Village,’ Red Squirrels at Abernethy Nature Reserve and Dolphins at Spey Bay.
Speyside Way - South to North
| Total Distance | 65 miles (104 km) |
| Start and Finish | Aviemore to Buckie |
| Availability | 1st March to 31st October |
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Tour Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPW1(R) | 6 nights, 5 days walking | £405 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| SPW2(R) | 7 nights, 6 days walking | £465 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply: | |||||
| Solo Walker Supplement: | £28 per person / per night | ||||
| Single Supplement: | £18 per person / per night | ||||
| You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. | |||||
| The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. | |||||
Speyside Way and the Tomintoul Spur - South to North
| Total Distance | 80 miles (128 km) |
| Start and Finish | Aviemore to Buckie |
| Availability | 15th March to 15th December |
The reverse version of the Speyside Way with the Tomintoul Spur extension starts in the popular town of Aviemore, at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains and continues along a route filled with enchanting forests, tranquil woodland and mountain paths to the charming little fishing port of Buckie.
On reaching Ballindalloch, the trail leaves the route of the Speyside Way and follows the Tomintoul Spur, a rugged section of 15 miles (24km) that takes in the famous Glenlivet Distillery, before reaching the highest village in the Scottish Highlands, Tomintoul.
Following the challenging walk to Tomintoul, the trail continues along the Speyside Way on its journey to Buckie, pasing Spey Bay where you may spot dolphins.
Holiday Highlights
- Admiring the dramatic views over the Cairngorm Mountains on your approach to Tomintoul.
- Spotting an abundance of wildlife, including Ospreys in Boat of Garten and dolphins at Spey Bay.
- Arriving in the charming village of Buckie on the shores of the Moray Firth.
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Tour Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPW1+TOM1(R) | 7 nights, 6 days walking | £475 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| SPW1+TOM2(R) | 8 nights, 7 days walking | £525 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| SPW2+TOM1(R) | 8 nights, 7 days walking | £525 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| SPW2+TOM2(R) | 9 nights, 8 days walking | £595 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply: | |||||
| Solo Walker Supplement: | £28 per person / per night | ||||
| Single Supplement: | £18 per person / per night | ||||
| You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. | |||||
| The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. | |||||
