Ballindalloch is a small village on the River Spey perhaps best known for its picturesque views and the majestic Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens. The Castle was built in 1546 and is known as ‘the pearl of the North’ and, although open to the public, it is still lived in by the Macpherson-Grant family.
The River Spey is synonymous with Scotland’s premium water, whisky. The Ballindalloch Distillery produces a smooth single malt to sample and just over 5 miles away is the Glenlivet Estate with its own distillery founded in 1824 and operating almost continuously since to produce its famous single malt.
Whisky, wildlife and wonder
The village of Ballindalloch is in an ideal position to explore the surrounding area with many attractions, outdoor adventures, historic buildings and walks to nearby forests, villages and towns. A popular stop on the newly established North East 250, the area has lots to offer wildlife enthusiasts as well as dark sky discovery sites in Ballindalloch and Tomintoul and the lush greens of Ballindalloch Golf Course.
The Speyside Way runs through Ballindalloch which you can enjoy on foot or by bike choosing a moderate or hard route. The Glenlivet Estate, encompassing over 90 square miles, is also an excellent place to enjoy some challenging bike routes. Set within the epic landscape of the Cairngorms National Park, the new mountain bike trail centre, pump track, skills area and cafe offers routes for cyclists of all abilities. The red route offers some of the longest sustained downhill singletrack in the UK whilst the blue route is suitable for families.
There is also plenty to discover on foot at Glenlivet. From gentle short strolls to more challenging long-distance walks. Follow the Glenlivet Estate Map to find your starting point and enjoy the freedom to explore the great outdoors.
There is a full range of local services available within the Estate including good quality restaurants, hotels, self-catering cottages and B&B’s where you can be sure of a warm reception.
Only an hour or so’s drive from Glenlivet, are the many attractions of Moray Speyside, the beaches and fishing villages and the castle country of Grampian and Royal Deeside. With plenty to explore and experience for all the family, Ballindalloch and the surrounding areas are must-stop locations on your next visit to the Highlands.
