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Home , Aberlour, Ballindalloch, Baxters, Ben Rinnes, Buckie, Cabrach

Welcome to Speyside www.morayspeyside.com From dramatic mountain scenery to an award-winning 02 coastline, incredible food, and of course, world Itinerary 1: famous Speyside Malt , Moray Speyside has all the ingredients to make sure every visitor enjoys a Landscape & Nature magical, memorable experience. 06 These 5 themed itineraries have been created by Itinerary 2: Moray Speyside Tourism, to give you an exclusive taste of this most beautiful part of . History, Heritage & Culture 10 Nestling between the to the Itinerary 3: west, the Cairngorm National Park to the south, and to the east, Moray Speyside is just Food & Drink 3.5 hours from by road, less than an hour from Airport, and just over an hour from 14 Airport. Main line rail services operate from Itinerary 4: and Edinburgh to Inverness and Aberdeen with stops in , Elgin and Keith. Action, Adventure Inverness • & Outdoors We invite you to experience the best of Scotland here in Moray Speyside. We think you will agree that Moray 18 • Aberdeen Speyside is the ideal location for visitors from across Itinerary 5: the globe. Shopping & Staying www.morayspeyside.com

Glasgow • • Edinburgh 02 Itinerary 1: Landscape & Nature

This itinerary takes advantage of Moray Speyside’s rich and varied landscape; from the high tops of the to the cliffs and coves of a spectacular coastline. Moray offers great landscape diversity and the wildlife that goes with it, including the famous dolphins of the Moray .

Start point: Forres Duration: 3 nights Day 1: The Coast

Beginning today with a tour along the Look to the hill above the park, and if the flag Elgin 2 southern fringes of The Moray Firth, one of is flying from Nelson Tower you can climb Forres 1 Keith 3 the most beautiful and scenic stretches of to the top for a superb view of the Laich coastline in the world. of Moray, the coastal plain between the Grampian foothills and the inner Moray Firth, Set out from Forres, a multiple Britain in spanning around 30 miles (48km) from the Bloom winning former Royal , where a west to beyond Forres. visit to Grant Park and the award-winning gardens offer a beautiful display and ideal Make sure to visit Sueno’s Stone, a Pictish introduction to the flora and fauna of Moray standing stone situated on a raised bank on Speyside. a now isolated section of the former road to . Standing at over 6.5 metres (about 21 feet) high, it is the largest such stone in the . 04 Itinerary 1: Landscape & Nature

Head eastward from Forres towards The Moray Firth has the largest resident The woodland area behind the beach runs to To the east of Cullen, a wild rocky coastline is Remember too that all along these coastal Roseisle Forest, where there are walks colony of bottle-nosed dolphins in the UK the Wildlife Reserve and where easily accessible via a coastal path that takes stretches the skies are particularly dark over galore, then onward to where the (though other cetaceans can often be seen.) the Moray Coastal Trail joins the Speyside in the Giant Steps (created to help walkers the Moray Firth to the north. bay is famous for its flocks of sea-duck where The Moray coast has excellent viewpoints for Way, there is also plenty to learn with a visit to access a rocky cove) and brings the coastal the headland is just the place for a spot of cetacean-spotters. the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay. walker to the hidden Sunnyside Bay. Overnight in Elgin - Moray Speyside’s dolphin-spotting. biggest town, with a wide range of Continuing along the Moray Coastal Trail Continue east along the coast, passing by As an alternative to coastal walking, if time accommodation options from B&B’s to The rocky coastline at nearby towards , known as the Riviera , where seals are often to be seen and energy permits, climb the Bin Hill. The 4-star hotels, ideal for FIT’s and small / has plenty of interest, including pre- of the North, where fine sandy beaches on the rocky shore. Continue via and distinctive landmark of the Bin of Cullen is a medium sized-groups. footprints (and even the mark of a dragging are perfect for a picnic lunch (weather picturesque (black guillemots landmark for miles around and offers a grand tail!) on the sandstones by the shore. permitting!) common offshore) to . Here, walk for the energetic as well as superb views! the distinctive Bow Fiddle Rock, shaped by The coastal path from Burghead to Hopeman the sea from tough quartzite, can be seen offers easy walking for all abilities. from the popular coastal walk that can be continued to Cullen.

www.morayspeyside.com 06 Itinerary 1: Landscape & Nature

Day 2: The

Today will be spent exploring Glenlivet Scotland’s most threatened birds and network for all abilities which offer fabulous Deeper into The Cairngorms National Park, Estate and The Cairngorms National animals. Sixty species of bird breed or are vantage points, from where to view the the Moray boundary runs through the Park. resident on the estate and a further forty extensive stretches of woodland, moorland summits of Cairn Gorm and Ben Macdui seasonal visitors and migrants may be seen and water-based wildlife, such as red which offer superb vantage points to enjoy Departing Elgin, continue south on the A95, throughout the year. squirrel, roe deer, pine marten, wildcat, fabulous views over the entire mountainous taking the B9008 to reach the boundary of otter, salmon, osprey, grouse and golden area. the Glenlivet Estate. The communities of Glenlivet, eagle. Tomnavoulin and Knockandhu lie at the OPTION: Part of The Crown Estate, this heart of the estate and make good bases for The dark skies in many parts of Moray, such Why not try a wildlife, Land Rover or 23,000-hectare swathe of upland moor its exploration. as the Glenlivet Estate, the nearby even an ArgoCat safari - a great way and woods lies between the Ladder and and along much of the Moray coast offer to get up-close with the wildlife and the Cromlix Hills, much of it within the A visit to the recently refurbished some spectacular star gazing opportunities. landscape! Cairngorms National Park. Discovery Centre in the heart There is also a very good chance of seeing of Tomintoul offers an opportunity to plan the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis as Overnight in Keith - a bustling and The diverse landscape supports a wide your visit round the estate. In addition to they can happen at any time of year as long friendly town nestled in the Isla valley variety of wildlife, including many of farming, forestry and sporting activities, as it is dark enough! and an essential stop on any trip to there is an extensive waymarked path Moray Speyside. www.morayspeyside.com 08 Itinerary 1: Landscape & Nature

Day 3: Keith to Dufftown

The onward route today travels from Keith The railway operates from March to to Dufftown via The Keith and Dufftown October, with popular events at Halloween Overnight in Dufftown - the world’s Railway - an eleven-mile heritage railway and Christmas. It can also be chartered Malt Whisky Capital – with a range of line linking the market town of Keith to privately for groups and special occasions. accommodation options, from budget Dufftown, the World’s Malt Whisky Capital. to luxury and a wide choice of eating Onwards from Dufftown to marvel at the places as well as a world-famous The journey from Keith Town station , a whisky shop. passes through some spectacular scenery spanning the River Spey just below the with glimpses of the varied and often town. It was designed by the renowned civil rare, wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, engineer Thomas Telford and built from buzzards and other large birds of prey. 1812-1814. Climbing through dense pine forests and rolling alongside the tranquil waters of Loch Park, this journey affords views, not accessible by road.

www.morayspeyside.com 10 Itinerary 2: History, Heritage & Culture

Contrasts in culture - from upland crofters to coastal fisherfolk; a living heritage of the Scots tongue; tales of religious conflict and battles long ago - plus some of the finest castles of the north. These are just a few of the themes for you to follow as you explore Moray Speyside.

Base: Elgin/Grantown Duration: 3 nights Day 1: - Forres - Elgin

Elgin 3 Setting out in an easterly direction today Commemorating Hugh Falconer, a Scottish from Nairn, visiting the pretty village of geologist, botanist, paleontologist and Nairn 1 Forres, proud winner of Scotland in Bloom paleoanthropologist, The Falconer Keith 2 for numerous years and former Royal Museum was founded in 1871 and houses Burgh. The flows through a wealth of treasures relating to Moray’s Forres, one of the longest rivers in Scotland, distant and more recent past. flowing into the Moray Firth and very popular with keen fisherman for its stocks Just outside Forres, a visit to Brodie Castle Grantown-on-Spey of salmon and trout. is essential, where you can step back in time to the castle’s glory days, when Forres is noted for the Falconer Museum, the Brodie family were one of Scotland’s the town’s history as an ancient burgh, the most prominent families. Now under the mystery of the Pictish Sueno’s Stone, and care of the National Trust for Scotland, for being the home of ‘The Real ’. Brodie Castle is a wonderfully informative, 12 Itinerary 2: History, Heritage & Culture

Day 2: Keith - Cullen - Buckie - Fochabers

Travel on the A96 from Forres or Elgin Seafield, but also a ‘sea-toun’ - a little Inland to Fochabers, another ‘planned towards Keith, a typically Scottish community of picturesque fishers’ houses, village’, where the Fochabers Folk community, awarded with the accolade which sets the scene for the journey Museum and Heritage Centre provides historical visit, with guided tours of the Head now to Elgin and the historic ruins of ‘Scots Toun’ status in recognition of westwards along the coast. an informative and interesting visit. Castle. Stroll around the grounds and of , which, even as a ruin, the work the townsfolk do in promoting visit the new Playful Garden at Brodie; has earned its name; ‘Lantern of the North’, the Scots language and culture. Keith has Take time to explore the coastal villages Close by is the Walled Garden at Gordon reflective of the castle’s history and a great standing out as one of Scotland’s most several historic features such as Milton of Portknockie and Findochty where Castle, a 15th Century Castle and Estate playground for children and adults alike. ambitious and beautiful medieval buildings, Tower (Keith’s oldest building - 1480) and the highly characteristic colourful painted with a rich history. which was set on fire by the ‘Wolf of the Auld Brig, a picturesque packhorse stone¬work of the houses makes the streets The Three Witches from Shakespeare’s ’ on the 17th of June 1390. bridge (1609). Stronghold of the Scottish of these little towns a colourful experience. Continue westward by the A96 to explore Macbeth are historically reported to tongue. There is also a popular traditional the ‘capital’ of Moray - Elgin - a whole have met at Macbeth’s Hillock near OPTION: near music festival every June. Next, westwards, is the busy town afternoon (and more) will be required to Brodie, between Forres and Nairn with Forres: no longer a producing distillery; of Buckie; learn more about the fishing see its cathedral, museum, and to discover Forres, believed to have been the home of maintained by Historic Environment From Keith, travel north-eastwards and industry of the Moray Firth with a visit to more about its medieval origins hidden in Macbeth. Scotland to the coast, presenting a different face of the Fishing Heritage Museum, which tells places behind the modern shop-fronts. Moray Speyside. The attractive seaside the story of the town and its formerly pre- OPTION: , near community of Cullen features not just eminent position in the . Overnight in Elgin Forres: family-owned distillery with a a ‘planned village’ built by the Earls of 5-star visitor centre

Overnight in Elgin or Forres www.morayspeyside.com 14 Itinerary 2: History, Heritage & Culture

Day 3: Elgin - Craigellachie - Grantown

Travelling from Elgin towards Craigellachie. cooperage remain in Scotland and provide a by and a fascinating insight into the lives Travelling onwards now to the Glenlivet Protestant army of Archibald Campbell, 7th offers plenty to do for the day visitor and Craigellachie forms an important part of vital ingredient in Scotland’s whisky making. and times of whisky smugglers. Estate in the depths of Moray Speyside earl of Argyll. a unique opportunity to experience a Speyside’s whisky country and has two and location of The Battle of Glenlivet. traditional town, dating from malt whisky distilleries: Craigellachie and Whilst in the area, visit Craigellachie South of the town lie the lonely and stark The Battle of Glenlivet formed an important Passing through Tomintoul, the highest 1760s. The Macallan, whose new distillery nestles Bridge, built by Thomas Telford between ruins of Auchindoun Castle, a 15th- part of the religious struggle in Scotland village in the Scottish Highlands, from in the hillside above the River Spey. It is 1812 and 1815. Bridging the banks of the century stronghold burned down as a between Presbyterians and Catholics in the where you can capture fabulous views Overnight Grantown-on-Spey / also home to the Speyside Cooperage - the River Spey, Craigellachie Bridge is an revenge for murder! later part of the 16th and 17th centuries. of the Glenlivet Estate, this Forres. only cooperage in Britain with a visitor impressive feat of engineering, which can The first battle in the Highlands of Scotland is a great spot for budding centre, the Speyside Cooperage offers the be viewed from above or below. One of the most impressive castles in the where artillery appears to have played a photographers, and journeying opportunity to experience the ancient art of heart of the Moray Speyside landscape part in the action, archaeological evidence on to Grantown-on-Spey. coopering. Take the A941 to the ‘whisky capital’ is Castle, a typical and of this historical event has known to have Grantown-on-Spey is a Dufftown, where, in addition to distillery stunning example of a Scottish Baronial survived on the site. The Battle of Glenlivet typically traditional town on The family owned business has produced visits, the distilling of Scotland’s national Castle, known as the ‘Pearl of the North’. was considered at the time to be a religious the River Spey on the northern the finest casks from the best American drink can be explored at the Whisky Spend time visiting the Castle and Gardens, battle between the Catholic forces of edge of the Cairngorms oak, since 1947 and today, continues Museum. The Dufftown Whisky Museum home to the family since the 16th Century, George Gordon, 1st marquess of , National Park. A beautiful and to produce, using traditional tools and provides a unique opportunity to discover where you can immerse yourself in the and Frances Hay, 9th earl of Erroll, and the charming town, Grantown methods. Many of the casks made at the the secrets of whisky making in days gone castle’s history, architecture and interiors. www.morayspeyside.com 16 Itinerary 3: Food & Drink

This itinerary features the best of Moray for foodies – from seafood to ice cream and more. Moray Speyside’s low rainfall and high sunshine mean sun-ripened barley, good weather for fishermen and a long growing season for kitchen gardens. Moray Speyside is Malt Whisky Country and any trip to Food & the region must include some enjoyment of the local spirit. Follow the Malt Whisky Trail® for a cross- section of different distilleries (and a cooperage) or choose your favourite distillery! Moray is also home to many craft gin producers, plus several excellent craft beers. Base: This circular route can be joined at any point - but, as an example, this description Drink starts from the west. Duration: 3 nights Day 1: Forres - Lossiemouth - Elgin

Elgin Start your day with a coffee at Brodie Minutes away, the Benromach Distillery Fochabers 2 Countryfare with its emphasis on local provides your first chance to experience Forres 1 produce. one of the many whisky distilleries in Moray Craigellachie Speyside. A 5-star visitor experience, this 3 Minutes away, the former family-owned distillery uses traditional of Forres is noted for its fine butchers - processes, and its award-winning tour is discover three in the main street (ideal available all year round. for self-catering visitors). Next on your Grantown-on-Spey culinary adventure in Forres is a visit to Head south on the A940/A939 where, close Maclean’s Highland Bakery. Starting out to the town, at the (now closed) Dallas as a family baker several generations ago, Dhu Distillery you can get as close as the company has now expanded overseas possible to the historic distilling processes and exports a wide range of baked goods (because it’s ‘dry’ and in the care of Historic including shortbread, biscuits and oatcakes. Environment Scotland). 18 Itinerary 3: Food & Drink

Day 2: Fochabers - Cullen - Keith - Dufftown - Craigellachie

A little way south, Logie Steading has a Their Brewery Tap Room is the perfect hang Begin day two in the centre of Elgin, and All this, and Baxters Highland Village try The nearby Cullen Bay Hotel - Winners of fine cafe set in the old courtyard with indoor out after a bike ride, surf, or dog walk as after a hearty breakfast (or a coffee!) follow another draw on the other side of the River the 2015 Cullen Skink World Championships. and outdoor seating and an excellent well as to enjoy a pint of one of Windswept the A96 towards Fochabers, an attractive Spey – their pancakes are world-renowned. whisky shop featuring rare and collectable award-winning beers. ‘planned’ village, owing its origins to the Dukes After lunch, turn back inland to the Scots Toun wines, gins and . of Gordon and their nearby seat of Gordon On your way to Cullen, drop in at Eat Mair of Keith where you’ll find an excellent choice Leaving Lossiemouth now as the Gordon Castle. The Gordon Castle Walled Garden Fish in Buckie for a wide range of local of shopping and eating, including Boogie For lunch, sample some of the local seafood & MacPhail retail shop awaits in Elgin; the Cafe in the restored walled garden is a popular seafood and fresh salmon from the river Spey Woogie and Square Roots. close by in the coastal town of Findhorn heart of Moray. The shop, which opened destination for visitors and locals alike. – handy if you fancy cooking for yourself one where fresh seafood and hearty meals are its doors in 1895, has an extensive whisky night! Passing through Buckie by the coast, Don’t forget to visit The Deli Shop - stocking the order of the day at the town’s range of shop, sells local meats and cheese as well Fochabers is well-endowed with other you will find Bijou by the Sea a busy café/ a selection of local meats, homemade excellent eating establishments. as offering a range of chocolates and wines. eating places: for example, the Fochabers restaurant serving fresh, local produce. meatloaves and cheeses. Custom hampers Ice Cream Parlour, the dog-friendly Eats can be made, an ideal gift to take home. In the afternoon, a short drive along the Finish the afternoon off with a beer at and Treats, the busy garden centre cafe Arriving in Cullen, combine antique shopping Moray coast will bring you to Lossiemouth, Against the Grain tap-room and shop at Christies and the Fochabers Fish at the Cullen Antique Centre with lunch at Strathisla Distillery is picturesquely sited home to Windswept Brewery, whose then enjoy dinner at one of Elgin’s many Bar (voted Scotland’s No1 Fish and Chip Rockpool. The café has a diverse menu, from near the railway station – offering a distinctly name was inspired by the local beaches. eating places. Takeaway as part of the National Fish and sandwiches to traditional fish and chips - or different distillery experience. Chip Awards 2017). www.morayspeyside.com 20

From Keith make the short journey down to Dufftown and sign up for one of the many Day 3: Aberlour - Glenlivet - Grantown-on-Spey Speyside Tours. Tours range from three to four and a half hours and provide a walking Aberlour, just a few miles away is the home of For an alternative to the distillery tour, Finish the night at The Craig Bar, a pub adventure around the local whisky, food and Walkers shortbread. The factory shop is fully- Grantown offers a pleasant shopping full of all the whiskies from Moray Speyside. chocolate industry. stocked and a great place to grab some gifts experience. Elephants in the Pantry The Craig Bar also serves traditional pub to take home for family and friends. stocks locally sourced produce and grub, in particular a range of connoisseur Nestling in the hills above the River Spey at international delights, favouring organic, fair pies, making it a great alternative to the Craigellachie, is the new Macallan Distillery. Another, very different distillery tour awaits trade and ethically sourced ingredients. suggested Indian restaurant. The Macallan is worthy of a visit simply to you as you head in to the Cairngorms wonder at its architecture, and offers whisky National Park at The Glenlivet. The For dinner, Slyhet Brasserie serves lovers an opportunity to immerse themselves distillery, which has existed in the glen since Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine. The in The Macallan Visitor Experience. the 19th century, is open from March to restaurant is located in the town centre and November and offers various levels of tour. also operates as a takeaway, ideal for those End day two at The Copper Dog in staying in self-catering accommodation. Craigellachie. The pub menu is full of locally In the afternoon, another distillery tour is sourced meats and seafood including suggested. On this occasion however, the crab, mussels and venison. As part of the spirit is gin. Caorunn Gin, produced at Craigellachie Hotel, a room for the night the nearby , offer a shouldn’t be too far away. behind the scenes tour finished off with a gin and tonic, served with red apple. www.morayspeyside.com 22 Itinerary 4: Action, Adventure & Outdoors

The contrasting landscape of Moray Speyside presents multiple opportunities for adrenaline junkies and sports enthusiasts. A rugged coastline and mountains provide the perfect backdrop Action, for climbing, mountain biking, rafting, sailing and hiking; whilst the rolling slopes and flatlands lend themselves ideally to gentler activities of walking, golfing and cycling.

Duration: Four nights Base: Anywhere Day 1: Glenlivet - Grantown - Forres

Adventure & Lossiemouth 3 Cullen Day one begins with a morning of biking Roads through the Braes of Glenlivet arrive through the forest trails located within the at Tomintoul, the highest community in Forres 2 Glenlivet Estate. Moray at 1160ft (354m).

Off the B9136 by , north of One of the very best ways to get an Outdoors Tomintoul you will find purpose-built overview of the grand landscapes around 1 Glenlivet mountain bike trails with a confidence- the area is on horseback; a range of local building to intermediate 9km track, plus providers offer guided rides and treks using

Grantown-on-Spey a challenging 22km track for experienced local knowledge to take their guests over riders. (Bike hire, spares and cafe on-site high ground and valley - all of it ideal terrain too.) for sturdy Highland horses. 24 Itinerary 4: Action, Adventure & Outdoors

Day 2: Forres - Findhorn - Lossiemouth

For those who prefer walking, school. All equipment can be hired (on line Day two day begins with a morning Findhorn Marina awaits, from where Lossiemouth also presents the option of is a good starting point to the trip. At 841m, too). The day lodge has a cafe, bar, shop of canoeing and kayaking on the river North 58 provide wildlife adventures sea kayaking, with kayaks available to hire the summit offers spectacular views of and all facilities. Findhorn. This activity, operated by Ace along the Moray Firth. The two-hour trip from Outfit Moray, or surfing at the beach the surrounding landscape. The walk is Adventures, begins on the doorstep of the offers exciting encounters with the local with New Wave Surf School. around 7.5km up a well-worn hill path and is For another night in unusual Shephard’s hut. marine life, including Dolphins, Seals and estimated to take 3-4 hours to complete. accommodation, Ace Getaways near occasionally Orcas! The excursion also Experienced climbers can complete Forres provide luxurious Shephard’s huts, As an area with sheltered coastal waters, offers the chance to explore the breath- their Moray Speyside adventure at East of Tomintoul, the spectacular Snow or try Macbeth’s Hillock also near Forres beautiful coastline and rushing rivers, taking scenery along the Moray coastline. Cliffs to the west or Roads climb past the at which offers luxury glamping on the site of Moray Speyside offers a wide range of Logie Head to the east - two hotspots for 2090 ft. (645m) The skiing and boarding Macbeth’s famous encounter with the three water-based activities: kayaking and white- For picturesque views, head to the coastal climbers in the area. is especially suitable for beginners and witches… water rafting; sailing and windsurfing; sea town of Lossiemouth where the beach intermediates. There are 12 lifts and a ski kayaking and paddle-boarding; surfing; provides postcard-worthy views of the Overnight in Lossiemouth, boat trips and sea-angling charters; salmon sunset highly. Lossiemouth has highly-rated Hopeman or Burghead and trout fishing. golf courses, a well-equipped marina, an equestrian centre and even caves which can be explored via the coastal path - there are so many things to do in and around this handsome resort. www.morayspeyside.com 26 Itinerary 4: Action, Adventure & Outdoors

Day 3: Lossiemouth - Fochabers - Portknockie - Cullen

Begin day three with a trip back to Elgin Moray Speyside is also a fabulous place On the final night, try one of the many self- Golf Walking - the capital of Moray Speyside where for road cyclists, with a wide range of catering cottages in Cullen which offer the OPTION: Moray’s low rainfall, warm sunshine and An alternative for walkers is The Dava you’ll find a good range of restaurants and routes offering something for cyclist of all perfect setting to pour yourself a dram, light Although the suggested activity for mild coastal airs make our golf courses Way - one of Moray’s most popular walking shops to stock up. Elgin also offers plenty abilities, from short, circular routes to epic a fire and put your feet up after an action- day two focuses on the best water- playable all year round. Designers such routes, offering a waymarked walking and of choices for accommodation, from camp adventures in the remote hills and valleys of packed few days, or relax in one of the based activities available throughout as James Braid, Sir and off-road cycling route linking Forres and sites to hotels. Speyside and the Cairngorms. area’s excellent hotels. Moray Speyside, an alternative option Tom Morris have made their mark on Grantown-on-Spey. It has easy gradients for those who favour firmer ground the region’s courses, and famously, and a variety of access points from the Return east to Fochabers, where you’ll That evening, Portknockie is a must visit is close at hand in The Loft at East former British Prime Ministers Ramsay main road at either end, and all along its saddle up to experience the Moray location. Bow Fiddle Rock, a natural sea Grange Farm which has plenty to offer MacDonald and Herbert Asquith counted route. Monster MTB Trails. There are four trails arch on the Moray Firth coastline, is a in an action-packed menu that includes Lossiemouth’s Moray Golf Club among starting from Ordiequish carpark: Three popular tourist attraction and a nesting combat laser tag, quad bikes, archery, their favourites. From classic coastal links The crosses Moray suitable for everyone to enjoy and one for area for various sea birds. One of the most grass sledging, turf boarding and much at Moray and Cullen to courses with grand Speyside for 65 miles between Buckie and the most experienced bike riders. There recognisable landmarks in Moray, Bow more. views of the hills, such as the course at . It is a great way to savour the are two more trails starting at Winding Fiddle Rock offers itself as a subject for all , Moray Speyside is the perfect varying landscapes of Moray Speyside Walks car park, both aimed at experienced levels of photographer to capture. holiday destination for golf-loving visitors. between sea and mountains on foot. mountain bikers.

www.morayspeyside.com 28 Itinerary 5: Shopping & Staying

Moray Speyside offers visitors a varied and unique shopping experience - from internationally known brands to traditional crafts and everything in between. The region also offers accommodation in great variety and to suit all budgets - from Shopping country house hotels to friendly guest houses and B&Bs. There are many wonderful self-catering properties, some by the shore, others tucked away in the countryside, caravan & camping parks and even glamping pods with mountain views!

Start point: Inverness & Staying Duration: 3 nights Day 1: Around Forres Travelling from Inverness, through Nairn This charming 1920s farm steading has Lossiemouth on the outskirts of Forres, the famous been converted into a quality shopping Elgin 4 Brodie Countryfare can be found, experience selling art, crafts, books, gifts as Fochabers Forres 1 where time vanishes as you explore the well as locally grown plants plus there’s a Keith Aberlour wealth of clothing and unique brands, fine café where you can catch your breath 3 Dufftown gifts, homeware from local suppliers and over a coffee before travelling on to Forres - traditional Scottish hampers. Enjoy lunch in a pretty town and former royal burgh on the the award-winning restaurant before further Moray coast. exploring the area with a visit to Brodie Castle and then on to Logie Steading in Forres has been a winner of the Scotland 2 Tomintoul the Findhorn Valley. in Bloom award on several occasions and offers pleasant surroundings to start your Moray Speyside shopping extravaganza! 30 Itinerary 5: Shopping & Staying

embraces an approach to whisky making Independent retailers are key in this region Day 2: Upper Speyside and Tomintoul rarely seen today. A visit to Ballindalloch and Forres is no exception, so take time to Distillery is much more than just another explore each venue, picking up gifts along distillery tour. With a variety of tours on offer to the way. The main street is home to good Travel south this morning into the heart of Head from Knockando, stopping at Cardhu pre-booked visitors, guests can also become variety of independent shops, including Speyside. Distillery or The Macallan for a tour, personally involved in the art of making florists, food producers and crafters. then onwards to ‘The Pearl of the North’ No visit to Scotland, and especially no trip to Ballindalloch Castle, ancestral home of whisky. Accommodation options include: Moray Speyside would be complete without the Macpherson-Grant family. Built in 1546, Accommodation options include: The Knockomie Inn - 15 luxury rooms a visit to at least one Scottish woollen mill. Ballindalloch Castle offers an unforgettable the perfect relaxed and a gastro dining experience. Nestling in the hills beyond above the River visit. With its fairytale exterior, stunning Old Pine Yurt - setting for a private retreat. The Loft - Luxury glamping, camping Spey, you will find the enchanting, historic interior and magnificent grounds, the Castle, 25 rooms, and wigwams Knockando Woolmill. The Woolmill has Gardens and the Distillery make Ballindalloch Richmond Arms, Tomintoul - traditional Scottish hospitality Ace Hideaways - Bell tents and occupied the same site for 230 years. an estate worthy of a day’s exploration. Take shepherd’s huts Fresh, contemporary designs are woven a tour of the house, visit the impressive gift Bluefolds Highland Holiday Cottages - self-catering cottages with stunning Blervie House - Luxury B&B in a alongside traditional tweeds and classic shop and cafe or take a stroll in the beautifully views across Glenlivet to the Glenlivet restored mansion set in 300 acres woollen blankets - all produced with the same maintained walled and rock gardens which attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship offer a tranquil haven during the summer distillery that has been at the heart of the Woolmill months. Whilst here, visit the nearby Cardhu Country House Hotel - since the beginning. There is also an excellent Ballindalloch Single Estate Distillery - exclusive rural retreat offering luxury bed coffee shop. returning the family to the distilling traditions and breakfast accommodation. of previous generations, Ballindalloch Distillery www.morayspeyside.com 32 Itinerary 5: Shopping & Staying

Day 3: Lower Speyside - Aberlour - Dufftown - Craigellachie

A full day of shopping is planned for today as In the main street, pop in to Three Bags Wool Heading away from Aberlour towards you travel to Aberlour. is a superb little crafting shop, where you Craigellachie - drop in to the Speyside Accommodation options include: can stock up on all you need to create your Cooperage, to see how whisky barrels are Station Hotel, Rothes – 16 rooms – Straddling the Lour Burn (a tributary of own unique items (they also run workshops made, and visit their shop which sells a range extensively refurbished in 2016 the River Spey) Aberlour is an enchanting and events, so check their website before of products crafted from whisky barrels and Dowans Hotel, Aberlour – 16 rooms – and authentic speyside village with a you travel and book yourself in to a crafting barrel staves, unique to the cooperage. ideal for whisky-lovers surprising wide range of shops and shopping workshop). Take your time and drop in to Speyside Gardens Caravan Park – opportunities. It is also the home of Walkers The Gallery in Aberlour, the Spey Larder, The Whisky Shop in Dufftown is also a must modern and well-equipped for for Shortbread. There is a selection of outdoor, one of Scotland’s finest delicatessen’s and and with their range of over 600 whiskies, no- campers and mobile homes near Aberlour fishing and country wear shops in Aberlour on to the new Speyside Whisky Shop. Final one tends to leave empty-handed! Craigellachie Hotel – 26 rooms in this where you can purchase all you need for the stop on your Aberlour shopping trip is a visit internationally known luxury hotel in Scottish weather and any activity you may be to the Walkers Shortbread bakery or factory Craigellachie enjoying during your stay. shop to pick up some tasty treats! Tannochbrae Guest House – top-notch family-run guest house in Dufftown Hillside Havens – luxury glamping near Dufftown

www.morayspeyside.com 34 Itinerary 5: Shopping & Staying

Day 4: Elgin - Fochabers - Keith

Today you will head across the county towards Head westwards back towards Elgin on the off your shopping trip. Recent years have The last working vertical mill in Scotland, Keith and then return to Elgin. A96, making sure to stop firstly at Gordon seen a resurgence in the town centre, with Johnstons offers a free mill-tour, are coach- Castle for a visit to the Walled Garden a bustling vibe evident around Batchen and friendly, have an excellent coffee shop, food Keith is a bustling and friendly town nestled in Café and Shop where you can sample and South Streets where you’ll find a variety hall and a boutique full of fabulous cashmere. the Isla valley. This charming historic town is purchase Gordon Castle Gins, preserves, of excellent independent shops. Elgin was famed as a ‘Scots Toun’, and this is celebrated cosmetics and much more. recently awarded WorldHost Destination Accommodation options include: at Mither Tongue – Scotland’s only shop Status, the internationally recognised inspired by our native language, which sells a Just minutes from Gordon Castle is Baxters standard for first class customer service, so The Mansefield Hotel - 30+ luxury range of cards, gifts and stationery and sells Highland Village, which offers a variety of you can be sure of a warm welcome, wherever rooms plus self-catering flats and a handcrafted Scottish produce by local artists. speciality shops, stocked with a wide range you go. reputation for excellent food of Baxters and Audrey Baxter range of food Ardgye House - luxury guest house set Stop at Square Roots or Boogie Woogie products, as well as wines and whiskies, Explore Elgin’s history with a walk from in 150 acres just outside Elgin for a coffee or some lunch. Boogie Woogie speciality foods, clothing, cookware and gifts. the top of the Lady Hill, along the Castle also offers fabulous home-baking, alongside to Cathedral to Cashmere heritage trail, interesting gifts and ladies clothing. The beautiful and historic City of Elgin boasts dropping in to Elgin Cathedral on the way to a wide variety of unique and independent Johnstons of Elgin - one of the most famous specialist shops and is a great place to round cashmere brands in the world. www.morayspeyside.com Acknowledgements Moray Speyside’s Photographer Contributors: Funders and Stakeholders: Alan Butterfield, Alan Sarjeant, Alan Tough, Andrew Highlands and Islands Enterprise Howard, Angus Bremner, Anna Carey, Audrey The Moray Council Thompson, Brenda Cooper, Bruce McInnes, VisitScotland Catherine Hirst, Christopher Anderson, Christopher Moray Chamber of Commerce Reid, Claire Herbert, Claire James, Colin Shearer, Craig MacBeth, Dan Conway, David Ali Bain, David Designed by darlingforsyth Main, Debbie Dryburgh, Dietmar Voorwold, Duncan MacRae, Ed Dunbar, Eilidh MacKay, Elizabeth Dryburgh, Emma Cartledge, Emma Gibb, Euan Brownlie, Firhall B&B, Gabriel Varga, Gary Murison, Gary Paul, Hannah, Helen BR, Iain , James Grant, Jennifer Lovelock, Joanne Rolland, John Mitchell, Juliet Govier, Katie McMillan, Kim McIntyre, Kirsty Boyle, Kyle Simpson, Laura Bullas, Lauraine Wishart, Lesley Murray, Liam McBride, Lorraine Paterson, Margaret Reuss Newland, Matthew Coulson, Michael Ross, Mike Gill, Nicola Mack, Nikki Young, Patsy Goodsir, Paul Billany, Paul McGregor, Paul Malcolm, Paul McMillan, Pete Sherman, Peter Hoyle, Rajmund Matuszkiewicz, Ryan MacPherson, Samantha Coull, Sarah Matthews, Sarah Murray, Sarah Shanks, Sarah Takahashi, Scott Innes, Sean Gallagher, Simon Ward, Siobhan Munro, Steffan Kirkpatrick, Stephen Simmers, Stephen Ruffley, Steve Milne, Steve Oates, Stuart Campbell, Susan Begg, Suzanne de Waard, Cydnee Floyd, Tony Sanderson, Tracey Cormack, Zsofia Beres, Tomintoul & Glenlivet Development Trust, National Trust for Scotland, Rupert Shanks / Cairngorms National Park Authority, Walkers Shortbread, VisitScotland

Supporters: Walkers of Aberlour, Keith Brewery, Spey Valley Brewery, Associated Seafoods, Murdoch Brothers of Forres, Balvenie Street Ice Cream, Ace Adventures, Ballindalloch Castle, Chivas Brothers, Gordon Castle, Johnstons of Elgin, The Malt Whisky Trail, The Macallan, Spirit of Speyside Welcome to Moray Speyside www.morayspeyside.com

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