Private Speyside Whisky Trail from Inverness

ore arriving in the historic town of Elgin. Here, you'll be greeted by the charming Glen Moray Distillery, a relaxed working distillery on the banks of the River Lossie. Fun fact: Glen Moray began life as Elgin West Brewery in 1830 before being transformed into a whisky distillery in 1897. Its first spirit ran from the stills on 13 September that year. Today, the distillery has a welcoming coffee shop, a favourite with locals, where you can enjoy a coffee, light bite or homemade treat. Whisky tastings are also available if you'd like to sample the spirit and discover a little more about this historic Speyside distillery. It's a lovely stop to slow down, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a taste of local life.

Established in 1887 by William Grant, it remains family-owned and is one of Speyside's most celebrated whisky makers. Whisky lovers can enjoy a dram or two at the RobbiesDhu Terrace, overlooking the peaceful RobbiesDhu Burn, with the surrounding scenery providing a lovely backdrop to your tasting experience. You may also have the opportunity to sample Balvenie, Glenfiddich's sister distillery, renowned for its own distinctive character and craftsmanship. Before leaving, browse the Glenfiddich Whisky Shop, a must-visit for connoisseurs seeking distinctive expressions, special releases and memorable additions to their whisky collection. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious about Scotland's national drink, this stop offers a chance to savour the heritage and flavours of Speyside's whisky tradition.

heritage, welcoming cafés, restaurants and independent local shops. Whisky enthusiasts will love browsing the excellent whisky shop, with over 600 varieties to discover, making it a wonderful place to find something special to take home. Alternatively, we can enjoy a meal at The Sidings, a quirky railway-themed eatery in a converted railway station. Popular with locals, this unique spot offers homemade meals, freshly baked pastries, tempting treats and drinks in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty lunch or simply fancy a coffee and something sweet, it's a lovely opportunity to experience a little local life while exploring Scotland's famous whisky country.

nowned for its premium reputation, meticulous craftsmanship and distinctive flavour. Its character is shaped by carefully selected ingredients and exceptional oak casks, particularly sherry-seasoned casks sourced from Spain, which contribute rich notes of dried fruit, spice and oak. The time, care and investment that go into these casks are a defining part of The Macallan's approach to whisky-making, helping make its expressions highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. If you'd like to experience The Macallan for yourself, we can enquire about arranging a whisky tasting, subject to availability. Due to its popularity and high demand, please request this at least 2–3 months before your tour date so we have the best opportunity to secure a suitable slot. Please note that availability cannot be guaranteed.

ch Hills in the heart of Speyside, surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside. Its whisky is celebrated for its smooth, sweet and mellow character, offering an elegant dram that flows as effortlessly as a conversation in excellent company. Fun fact: Cardhu has a special connection to Johnnie Walker, contributing its distinctive single malt to some of Scotland's most famous whisky blends. Its history is also remarkable for the women who helped shape its legacy. Helen Cumming and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Cumming, played pivotal roles in the distillery's development, with Elizabeth eventually selling Cardhu to John Walker & Sons in 1893. Today, Cardhu remains an important part of Diageo's whisky portfolio, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into Speyside's whisky heritage and the story behind one of the world's best-known Scotch whisky brands.

nd a pioneer in shaping the reputation of single malt Scotch whisky. Founded in 1824 by George Smith, it is the first distillery in the area to obtain a legal licence following the Excise Act of 1823, at a time when illicit whisky-making was still widespread. Nestled in the beautiful Livet Valley near the Cairngorms National Park, this historic distillery is celebrated for its smooth, fruity and floral single malts, often featuring notes of orchard fruits, citrus and sweet vanilla. Its pioneering spirit helped inspire generations of whisky makers, and its name is now recognised around the world. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your whisky journey, The Glenlivet offers a taste of Speyside's rich history and enduring craftsmanship. If it's one of your favourite whiskies, let us know and we can explore the possibility of including a stop, subject to your tour route and available time.

River Spey, one of Scotland's most famous whisky rivers. This beautiful corner of Speyside is surrounded by rolling hills, woodland and some of the region's best-known whisky country, making it a lovely place to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. Craigellachie is also home to the historic Craigellachie Bridge, an impressive 19th-century iron bridge spanning the River Spey and one of the village's most recognisable landmarks. Take a moment to admire the views, snap some photos and capture a memorable piece of your Speyside whisky journey before continuing on.

wned for its rich sherry cask single malts and longstanding family heritage. Established in 1836, Glenfarclas has remained in the hands of the Grant family since 1865, making it one of Scotland's notable independent, family-owned distilleries. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Ben Rinnes mountain, its traditional approach to whisky-making has earned it a loyal following among connoisseurs worldwide. Glenfarclas is particularly celebrated for its full-bodied, fruity character, with warming notes of dried fruit, spice and oak in many of its expressions. If you appreciate classic Speyside whisky with generations of history behind every dram, this is a distillery worth discovering. Arrangements can be made to stop here if Glenfarclas is one of your favourites, subject to your tour route and available time.

its award-winning single malts and traditional craftsmanship. Nestled in the picturesque village of the same name, near the River Spey, the distillery is surrounded by beautiful countryside that makes this area a pleasure to explore. If Aberlour is one of your favourite whisky brands, arrangements can be made to include a stop here, giving you the opportunity to discover more about this celebrated Speyside whisky. Whether you're hoping to browse the shop, enjoy a tasting or simply admire the surroundings, let us know your preference and we'll do our best to accommodate it within your tour.

A short walk through the grounds leads you to the visitor reception, where you may even enjoy a whisky tasting outdoors, weather permitting. But there's more to discover beyond the distillery itself! Take a leisurely wander through the magnificent Victorian garden, with its colourful planting, peaceful paths and carefully tended greenery, before venturing deeper into the woodland. Follow the winding walkways towards a spectacular gorge, where the sound of rushing water and the surrounding greenery create a magical atmosphere. Keep your eyes open as you explore — local legend tells of Major James Grant's love of adventure and whisky, inspiring tales of secret hiding places for his treasured bottles. Whether you're a whisky enthusiast, a nature lover or simply looking for somewhere a little different, Glen Grant offers a memorable stop combining Speyside character, history and natural beauty.

age, where skilled coopers build, repair and maintain the oak casks essential to Scotland's national drink. These remarkable artisans use generations-old techniques, working with specialised tools and impressive precision to shape, assemble and seal each barrel by hand. Did you know that oak casks play a vital role in developing a whisky's colour, aroma and flavour as it matures? The wood can contribute notes of vanilla, spice, caramel and dried fruit, depending on the cask's history and previous contents. Watching the coopers at work offers a rare glimpse into a craft that remains essential to the whisky industry, even in an age of modern machinery. It's a fascinating stop for anyone curious about what happens beyond the distillery stills and how every detail contributes to the character of a fine Scotch whisky.