9-Day / 8-Night Moderate 🥾

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

The route begins in the coastal town of Buckie, with fresh sea air and views across the Moray Firth. The trail follows quiet paths along the shoreline before turning inland at Spey Bay, where the River Spey meets the sea. From here, you follow riverside tracks and peaceful woodland trails through the Spey’s broad valley, with chances to spot wading birds and wildflowers along the way. The day ends in the charming town of Fochabers, known for its tree-lined streets and nearby nature reserves—perfect for a relaxed evening stroll.

Today’s walk begins in the riverside town of Fochabers and follows well-maintained paths through peaceful woodland and farmland, with glimpses of the River Spey along the way. Passing near Rothes, you’ll spot signs of Speyside’s whisky heritage and may catch sight of buzzards or red squirrels in the trees. The trail continues through gently rolling countryside before arriving in Craigellachie, home to the historic Speyside Cooperage and surrounded by forested hills. If time allows, we recommend a visit to the Cooperage to see traditional barrel-making in action.

Beginning in Aberlour, today’s route follows the old railway line which offers gentle hiking close to the River Spey. At Craigellachie, the route turns inland along the River Fiddich and past the idyllic Dufftown Railway Station, which has been well kept, retaining its historic charm. Today’s hike passes right by the front door of the Glenfiddich distillery, making it an ideal place to sample a dram. After Glenfiddich distillery, you follow more rugged terrain and grassy tracks uphill through heather-covered moorlands. Then, descend through forestry tracks with some minor road walking on the return to Aberlour.

Following the path of an old railway line, you pass the whisky-rich town of Aberlour. You trace 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. 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.