Welcome to the Speyside Way
The Speyside Way is one of four official Long Distance Routes in Scotland (the others are the West Highland Way, the Southern Upland Way and the Great Glen Way). It was first opened in 1981, to run from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch, with a spur to Tomintoul being added in 1990. A northern extension from Spey Bay to Buckie followed in 1999, with the route being further extended from Ballindalloch to Aviemore in April 2000. The route now links the Moray coast with the edge of the Grampian Mountains, generally following the valley of the River Spey. Plans are well advanced to complete the route to Newtonmore, though no date for opening this last section has yet been set.
Management
The Speyside Way is managed by the three Access Authorities along the route – the Moray Council, the Highland Council and the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
The Moray Council Countryside Ranger Service, based in the Visitor Centre in Aberlour (currently closed), covers the northern section of the route (from Buckie to Advie) and can provide information for the whole route.
For an overview of Long Distance Trails in the rest of Britain and Europe, follow these links: Long Distance Walkers Association and Epaths.
Where is the Speyside Way?
The Speyside Way runs from Buckie on the shore of the Moray Firth coast of NE Scotland, south-westwards to Aviemore on the edge of the Cairngorm Mountains, a distance of approximately 65 miles. There is also a 15-mile spur to Tomintoul.
Click here to see a map of the route, and a mileage chart (PDF).
Public Transport
There are railway stations in Elgin and Aviemore from where connections can be made to the rest of the UK. The Edinburgh/Glasgow bus service passes through Aviemore. Buses also connect Elgin with Aberdeen and Inverness, and from Elgin, there is a regular service to Aberlour, Craigellachie, and Dufftown. South of Aberlour, however, services are much less frequent, and getting to and from Tomintoul by bus requires more perseverance and the help of some local knowledge! There is a local (infrequent) bus service linking Aviemore with Grantown on Spey and Ballindalloch. For more information, see our Public Transport Guide.
Dogs
Dogs under close control are welcome on most of the route, but because of the likelihood of encountering livestock, we advise you not to take your dog on the section between Ballindalloch and Cromdale. This is for your own safety and that of your dog. Cattle, while ignoring humans themselves, will readily chase their canine companions, and this can be very alarming and dangerous. (If there is no alternative to taking your dog on holiday with you, you can get at a pinch bypass this section by following the B9102 from Delnapot to Cromdale) On all other parts of the route if your dog should foul the path, please take a minute to clear up the mess. See SOAC advice to dog walkers.
Adventures

Hiking & Walking
We can help you plan your walking or backpacking treks in the Speyside Way or the wider area.

Camping
Camping in the forests is a lot of fun in the Speyside Way.

Whisky Tour
The whisky trail in Speyside Way offers you to visit a wide variety of distilleries.

Cycling
Cycling on the Speyside Way - Enjoy the nature when biking The Speyside Way between Fochabers and Ballindalloch and between Nethybridge and Aviemore …

Rafting
What to do - Rafting & Canoeing & Windsurfing The River Spey may be the fastest flowing river in the land, canoeing and rafting along …

Shuttle and Transfer
Plan your shuttle or private transfer with a wide range of offers.
Speyside Way Accommodation
Book your hotel in one of the nine sections
ACTIVITIES
SERVICES

HILLWALK TOURS
AGENCYTake the hassle out of your Speyside hike by allowing Hillwalk Tours to plan a self-guided walking tour to suit your needs. We offer flexible tours of the Speyside Way Whisky Trail that allow you to walk for 5-days up to 9-days (with plenty of time to visit the world-famous distilleries along the way!) and we can also plan your tour based on your hiking ability as we offer gentle, moderate and challenging itineraries.
Website: www.hillwalktours.com
Email: info@hillwalktours.com
CALL HILLWALK TOURS
Upcoming trips
All-Year-Round Activities
Speyside Wat offers a wide range of activities all around the year for beginners and pro's.
Skiing Events
Skiing in the winter, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking etc. if that's what you are looking for.
Camping and Caravaning
There are several camping and caravaning spots you can book.
Water Sports
Enjoy the water sports.
MORE ACTIVITIES
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Testimonials
"Just completed the Speyside Way as a walker. Blessed with glorious weather. Started from Kincraig. Boat of Garten campsite was closed but I ended up bussing to Grantown. Lovely welcoming site and returning to Boat of garten the next day. Fiddich Park, Craigalacchie I am led to believe is now closed but ended up walking back to Aberlour campsite. Another great campsite. Overall a great walk which I felt got better the further north I went. Well Done."Peter I.
"My wife and I recently completed the Speyside Way walking from Aviemore to Buckie and we very much enjoyed the experience."Iain M.
"Love the Speyside Way - walked it a few years ago, take the dog on sections regularly and appreciate the work that goes into maintaining it. Thank you"Allison B.
OPENING TIMES
- Mon
- 8:00-16:00
- Tue
- 8:00-16:00
- Wed
- 8:00-16:00
- Thu
- 8:00-16:00
- Fri
- 8:00-16:00
- Sat
- 8:00-16:00
- Sun
- 8:00-16:00