7-Day / 6-Night Challenging

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Fochabers.

Today’s walk begins in Fochabers and follows forest tracks and quiet country lanes through the Spey Valley, with views of rolling farmland and wooded hills. As you approach Rothes, the trail passes near several distilleries and offers glimpses of Speyside’s whisky heritage. From here, a scenic detour leads to Dufftown, nestled in a sheltered glen and surrounded by moorland. Along the way, look out for old railway remnants, red squirrels darting through the trees, and buzzards soaring overhead. Dufftown’s charming streets and historic buildings make it a rewarding end to the day’s hike. Today’s hike passes right by the front door of the Glenfiddich distillery, making it an ideal place to sample a dram.

From Dufftown you follow rugged terrain and grassy tracks leading uphill through the heather-covered moorlands. You descend through forestry tracks with some minor road walking into the whisky-rich town of Aberlour. From there the route follows the bed of a former railway, tracing the River Spey through a mix of riverside paths, woodland, and open farmland. You pass distilleries and small hamlets, with the chance to spot anglers in the water, before crossing the river at Carron Bridge. From here, the trail meanders gently above the Spey, through fields and pockets of forest, before arriving in Ballindalloch over the Ballindalloch Viaduct Bridge.

Transfer to Tomintoul in the morning. Transfer to Tomintoul in the morning. Starting in the village of Tomintoul, the trail climbs gently through open moorland and heather-covered hills, offering sweeping views across the Cairngorms. As you descend towards Glenlivet, the landscape shifts to quiet farmland and pockets of pine forest, rich with wildflowers and birdlife. The route passes the historic Glenlivet distillery before arriving in the peaceful glen, where whisky heritage meets Highland wilderness. Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, you ascend again through fields and open moorland before the final descent to Ballindalloch.  Overnight in Ballindalloch. 

Beginning at Ballindalloch, near its castle and Cragganmore Distillery, the route briefly follows a disused railway before climbing into undulating woodland and open farmland above the River Spey. You weave through chain-gates and field edges, crossing small streams via stepping stones and boardwalks, with occasional glimpses of the Cairngorms. The path rolls gently through quiet countryside and descends past Tom an Uird woods, and you pass a splendid old railway station at Cromdale which has been beautifully restored. A lovely walk through Anagach Wood takes you into the pretty little town of Grantown-on-Spey.

Follow the old Strathspey Railway line to the quaint village of Nethy Bridge from where the route follows woodland paths through the Abernethy National Nature Reserve, with chances to spot red squirrels and seasonal birdlife. The impressive RSPB Loch Garten Osprey Centre is a short detour from the trail. Continue on quiet tracks and minor roads to cross the River Spey into Boat of Garten. From here, the trail runs alongside the Strathspey Steam Railway, through beautiful moorland with open views towards the Cairngorms, before arriving in Aviemore, a bustling hub for outdoor adventures in the Highlands.

There are regular bus and train services from Aviemore to Edinburgh and to Inverness. Full details provided upon booking.