Get ready to explore the Speyside region and Scotland’s most delectable industry.
You depart Inverness, travel east into the region of Moray, and follow the Moray Firth coastline. After a short drive, you arrive at the Benromach Distillery*, situated north of the town of Forres.
This small-scale independently-owned distillery is our first distillery of the day. The friendly staff at the distillery explain how they make whisky and show you the different areas of production before giving you a wee sample of the golden-hued spirit itself.
If there’s time, you head to the quaint coastal village of Findhorn. It’s a great spot to breathe in the fresh sea air and capture glorious views over the Moray Firth.
You travel to Elgin, where you have free time to sightsee, shop, or savour some local cuisine. If you fancy seeing some gorgeous ruins, you can visit Elgin Cathedral. And if you want to shop, you can find some fantastic souvenirs in the Gordon and Macphail food and drink shop. This is an excellent emporium of independently bottled whiskies, Scottish Gins, local beers.
From Elgin, you venture south towards the river Spey and pass several distilleries that prove how much the industry has dominated the area for generations. You cross the river, and if there’s time you may stop for a photograph of the water and a historic bridge.
You arrive at Glenfiddich Distillery in the famous town of Dufftown, home to seven whisky distilleries. This distillery produces the largest quantity of whisky in Scotland. But it’s far from a sterile factory, this is a historic distillery created by a famous whisky pioneering family, and the traditions and age of the site are evident. Your guide here gives you an extensive tour including a tasting of the core range of Glenfiddich’s delicious whiskies.
Near to the Distillery are the historic ruins of Balvenie Castle. There may be time to get a photo of the castle before you leave. Or if you’ve had enough whisky for the day, you can skip the Glenfiddich tour and venture into the ruins.
Your journey back to Inverness follows the river Fiddich to Craigellachie, where we should be able to stop for a photo of the Speyside Cooperage.
The last leg of the journey takes you through the lovely scenery of Strathspey with views of the Cairngorm mountains.
