The broad wedge of Moray Speyside fans out from the ski slopes of the Eastern Cairngorms through the whisky distilling heartlands towards the beaches and bustling villages along the Moray Coastal Trail. From the inland cooperages and still makers of Craigellachie and Rothes to the headlands from Burghead to Portgordon, this is a rich region of innovation and industry, creative culture and outdoor pursuits.
Much of life throughout Moray Speyside is focused on the River Spey itself, the clear-flowing base of some of Scotland’s finest malt whiskies, a source of adventure for canoeists and rafters, and home to the fish that attract anglers from all over the world. The river weaving its way through fertile farmland and village after village is the timeless thread that pulls together so many local stories of times gone by.
Walking in a whisky wonderland
Moray Speyside is home to over half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries from the world famous Glenlivet to lesser-known gems such as Mortlach. Whisky distilling is woven into the landscape, the heritage and the culture. It has shaped the stories told here – and as the locals say “today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky” – which is always good to bear in mind.
But drams aside, there are many other sensations to enjoy in Moray Speyside. From navigating the rapids on the River Findhorn to swimming off Lossiemouth west beach, and from woodland bike rides to walking the Speyside Way, this is a land of adventure for one and all. And naturally, weary walkers are always happy to visit the farm shops and traditional bars they find along the Way from Buckie to Aberlour and to Ballindalloch and beyond.
Away from the river, towns such as Elgin and Forres present stories and history around every corner. From the ruins of Elgin cathedral dating from 1224 to the gigantic Sueno’s Stone, a 9th century Pictish monolith, both towns have heritage to spare, but are also welcoming destinations at the heart of a region full of delights for visitors of ages.
