When people think of Speyside, distillery tours come to mind. And rightly so. With over 70% of Scotland’s whisky produced within a 20-mile radius of The Craigellachie Hotel, this stretch of the Highlands is genuinely unlike anywhere else for single malt enthusiasts. But stay for more than a day, and you will find that Speyside rewards curiosity in ways that go far beyond the still room.
The Moray Coast: Speyside’s Best-Kept Secret
Just 30 minutes from the hotel, the Moray coastline opens up into something quite unexpected. Bow Fiddle Rock rises from the North Sea like something from a Mediterranean postcard – a magnificent natural arch carved by millions of years of waves. The clifftop walks here reward every step with views that feel worlds away from the valley below. This is the Speyside that locals know and visitors rarely find.
The Speyside Way
The Speyside Way follows the River Spey through ancient woodland and open valley, passing distilleries, cooperages, and quiet villages along its route. You can walk sections of it in an afternoon or spend several days tracing its full length. From the hotel, the riverbank path is on your doorstep. There is nothing quite like setting out at first light, with mist still rising from the water and the hills beginning to colour in the distance.
Fly Fishing on the River Spey
The Spey is one of Scotland’s most celebrated salmon rivers, and spring is among its finest seasons. Our concierge team works with a network of experienced local ghillies to arrange days on the water – from those wanting a first taste of the river to seasoned anglers seeking access to the best beats. Time moves differently out here. The patience it asks of you is its own kind of reward.
Off-Road Driving and Game Shooting
For those looking to venture deeper into the Highland landscape, we work with Aberdeen 4×4 to offer professionally guided off-road driving experiences in Land Rover Defenders across some of the most dramatic terrain in the region. The estates surrounding The Craigellachie are also among the most respected in Scotland for game shooting, with experiences arranged in partnership with premier estates near The Macallan – whether you are an experienced shot or entirely new to the sport.
E-Bikes Through Distillery Country
Our e-bikes offer one of the most rewarding ways to explore Speyside at your own pace. Thread through quiet country lanes, follow the river along the Speyside Way, or make your way to a distillery or two along the route. The balance of gentle exercise and powered assistance means the landscape is there to be enjoyed rather than endured – and the longer spring days give you plenty of time to take it all in.