Walk 
6 to 7 nights
65 mls (km)
North East Scotland
Easy to Moderate 
Mar to Oct
£785
Whisky and Walking on the Speyside Way
- Walk through The Cairngorms, Britain’s largest National Park.
- Visit world-renowned whisky distilleries such as Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, and Macallan.
- Explore the historic Ballindalloch Castle estate and its picturesque grounds.
- Spot wildlife like dolphins at Spey Bay, ospreys, and the elusive Scottish wildcat.
- Ride the historic Strathspey Steam Railway, linking Aviemore to charming villages
Speyside Way Walking Holidays
The Speyside Way offers a perfect blend of Scotland’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and whisky tradition. This scenic trail takes you through the heart of Malt Whisky Country, following the River Spey from the Moray Coast to the Cairngorm Mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass through ancient Caledonian pine forests, charming villages, and the rolling landscapes of Speyside, all while enjoying some of the finest whisky distilleries and breath-taking wildlife Scotland has to offer.
A Unique Experience: Whisky and Wildlife
What sets the Speyside Way apart is its unique combination of whisky heritage and vibrant wildlife. This trail offers the chance to visit Scotland’s most iconic distilleries, such as Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, while surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the River Spey.
For nature lovers, the Speyside Way is a haven. The River Spey is teeming with wildlife, from otters and salmon to ospreys and sea eagles. At Spey Bay, walkers can often spot dolphins, while inland forests and mountains are home to the critically endangered Scottish wildcat, Scotland’s rarest mammal.
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of whisky or the tranquillity of Scotland’s natural beauty, the Speyside Way promises a truly unforgettable walking experience.
Path Walkthrough
The Speyside Way begins in Buckie on the Moray Coast and follows the River Spey southwest through farmland, pine forests, and picturesque villages, ending in the Cairngorm town of Aviemore.
This trail offers a manageable walking experience, with much of the route on riverside paths, forest tracks, and disused railway lines. The terrain is gentle, with minimal steep ascents, making it suitable for walkers of all levels. Daily distances typically range between 10 and 15 miles, ensuring a rewarding yet accessible adventure.
While there is some road walking near Craigellachie, most of the trail is tranquil and scenic, immersing walkers in the natural and cultural beauty of the Speyside Valley.
Our Speyside Way Itineraries
Buckie to Aviemore
Distance: 65 miles (104.5km)
- Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
- Route planning
- Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our Speyside Way holidays are available to walk March to October.
Summer tends to book quite quickly and in winter a lot of B&Bs close their doors. We would recommend spring/autumn as the optimal time to visit - this way you are also less likely to have to fend off midges on your journey.
📷Telford bridge
📷Ballindalloch Castle
📷Sent in by Andrew, one of our walkers from 2017
📷River Spey
📷Sent in by Andrew, one of our walkers from 2017
📷Taken by Andrew, on a Celtic Trails holiday 2017
📷Taken by one of our walkers, Andrew
📷Taken by Andrew, on a Celtic Trails holiday 2017
📷Sent in by Andrew, one of our walkers from 2017 📷Glen Dronach Distillery 📷Forest Tracks between Fochabers and Craigellachie, sent in by one of our walkers - Andrew
📷Sent in by Andrew, one of our walkers from 2017
📷Craigellachie Bridge over the Spey
📷Taken by Andrew, on a Celtic Trails holiday 2017
📷Taken by Andrew, on a Celtic Trails holiday 2017
📷Photo taken by one of our walkers, Andrew
📷AviemoreSpeyside Way Client Reviews
4.7/5 based on 12 reviews
Speyside Way was a lovely walk, not too difficult, variety of scenery & lots of history. No hitches with accomodation or transport.
Carol - October 2023
Not my first walk with Celtic Trails and I doubt there are any better
Ken Smith - September 2023
Celtic Trails are much better than other companies - an excellent company to use. This experience with them was as good as ever
Rachel and Michael - September 2022
Celtic Trails did an excellent job of turning my vague idea of a walking tour in Scotland into a concrete experience. They deal with details, shared advice and took excellent care of us. This walk was a feast of the senses - distilleries, short bread fac
Susan, Austin, TX - September 2022
Celtic Tails are a company who can be trusted to have their client best at the forefront of their minds. Speyside Way next year.
Ken, Leyland - August 2022
All went without a hitch. Speyside Way was beautiful. Wonderful views, fresh air, beautiful country. Enjoyable and stress-free. Celtic Trails were just about perfect. Exactly what we wanted. Good price and excellent organisation.
D. Ketcham - July 2019
It was great to walk the whole way, door-to-door, without using any vehicles. The Speyside Way is well way-marked and the walking relatively easy, while still feeling quite wild and with fabulous views.
T. Golinski - April 2019
Great accommodations. Thank you.
B - August 2018
"Outstanding vacation. All locations very friendly."
Churchouse - June 2018
Have walked with you four times before and you met our expectations again.
C&A - May 2018
B&Bs were (as usual) very good... beautiful walk.
Spence - June 2017
'To my mind it is a wonderful adventure - lots of exercise & beautiful places to see, without the burden of a backpack or the worry of finding suitable accommodations'.
Van Horn - July 2010
