BETA: The search and map are new features with further enhancements planned. VisitScotland is not responsible for the content of external links and accepts no liability for any reliance on these.
Speyside Cooperage
© North East 250 / Damian Shields
Speyside's malt whisky trail
Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail, the only one of its kind in the world, winds through stunning Speyside, taking in seven working distilleries, one historic site, and the Speyside Cooperage. Known as ‘Malt Whisky Country’, Speyside is home to over half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries and forms one of the nation’s five whisky regions.
- Start / Finish
- Ballindalloch, Moray / Forres, Moray
- Days3
- Distance60Miles96km
- TransportCar
- Main themeWhisky
- Highlights
- Whisky
- Landscapes
- Areas covered
- North
Day 1Glenlivet, Knockando, Craigellachie
- Transport
Your whisky adventure begins deep in the heart of Speyside. After your first distillery visit, you’ll follow the River Spey north to Knockando for the second distillery before heading west to Craigellachie to round your day off with a visit to the UK’s only working cooperage.
- 1
Glenlivet Distillery
Ballindalloch, Moray
Glenlivet Distillery, near Ballindalloch
© North East 250 / Damian Shields
Find out more about Glenlivet DistilleryA guided tour of Glenlivet Distillery will give you an insight into the intriguing history of this spectacular single malt. Treat your senses as you enjoy a dram drawn straight from a cask in Warehouse No.3, followed by the chance to taste two further samples in the surrounds of the dram room.
- 2
Cardhu Distillery
Aberlour, Banffshire
Cardhu Distillery
© Northeast 250 / Damian Shields
Did you know?Cardhu was the first distillery to be officially pioneered by a woman.
Find out more about Cardhu DistilleryCardhu Distillery offers a range of experiences for you to learn more about the Speyside malt enjoyed both on its own, and as the heart of Johnnie Walker whiskies.
There are full-sensory tours, tutored whisky tastings and challenges.
- Time to explore
- 2 hours
- 3
Speyside Cooperage
Craigellachie, Banffshire
Whisky casks at Speyside Cooperage
© VisitScotland / North East 250 / Damian Shields
Find out more about Speyside CooperageDiscover the spectacular Speyside Cooperage in Dufftown, considered by many to be the heart of the Speyside whisky region.
This is the only working cooperage in the UK. Witness the ancient art of creating whisky barrels using traditional tools and methods.
- Time to explore
- 1 hour
Day 2Dufftown, Rothes, Keith
- Transport
The second part of your whisky adventure is a day in whisky heaven, with tours of three working distilleries. Today continues in Dufftown, the 'Malt Whisky Capital' of the world.
- 4
Glenfiddich Distillery
Dufftown
Glenfiddich Distillery
Did you know?The first drops of whisky flowed from the stills on Christmas Day in 1887.
Find out more about Glenfiddich DistilleryGlenfiddich Distillery was built by William Grant and his family over a period of 18 months. It’s one of the few single malt distilleries to remain family owned.
Learn about the maverick whisky makers, the history of Glenfiddich and the whisky making process on their tour. The tour ends with a selection of samples, or a drivers’ tasting pack to take away.
- Time to explore
- 3 hours
- 5
Glen Grant Distillery
Rothes, Aberlour
Whisky dram
Find out more about Glen Grant DistilleryGlen Grant Distillery is the only Scotch whisky distillery named after its founding owners. Explore the distillery's beautiful Victorian Garden then take a guided tour or private tasting session to find out more about the distinctive dram.
- Time to explore
- 1 hour
- 6
Strathisla Distillery
Keith, Banffshire
The Strathisla Distillery
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Find out more about Strathisla DistilleryStrathisla Distillery is the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands, dating back to 1786. The distillery's fantastic tours will give you an insight into the art of blending as the distillery produces a range of Chivas Regal premium blended whiskies alongside its single malt Strathisla 12-Year-Old.
Day 3Elgin, Forres
- Transport
Your final day on the Malt Whisky Trail begins in the charming town of Elgin with a tour of Glen Moray Distillery. Afterwards travel west to Forres and tour Benromach Distillery.
- 7
Glen Moray Distillery
Elgin, Moray
Duffus Castle near Glen Moray Distillery
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Find out more about Glen Moray DistilleryWatch the small, dedicated team at Glen Moray Distillery craft the single malt on a tour. This is a friendly and informal working distillery, with experienced tour guides eager to share the 100-year-story.
- Time to explore
- 1 hour
- 8
Benromach Distillery
Forres, Moray
Brodie Castle
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Did you know?Benromach Distillery is home to the world's first fully certified organic single malt.
Find out more about Benromach DistilleryTake a tour of Benromach Distillery to find out more about this family of whisky-lovers who rely on the distillers’ expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky. All of the casks are hand-filled, individually weighed, stencilled by hand, and stowed in traditional dunnage warehouses.
Other things you might like
Drink Responsibly
Craft beers & breweries to visit in Scotland
Scottish gin distilleries, tours and tastings
Restaurants & eating out in Scotland
The Scottish Highlands
Join our Newsletter Clan
Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.