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WHISKY AND WALKING IN THE CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK
Walk through the heather covered hills, crystal clear streams and tranquil Caledonian Pine forests
of the Cairngorms National Park and taste the world famous Speyside whiskies on this relaxed
walking holiday.
Starting in the easily accessible highland village of Aviemore at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park,
the route guides you through the naturally rich Spey valley. Wander through the fragrant Caledonian pine
forests, home to the elusive capercaillie, and alongside riverside trails beside deep salmon rich waters and
clear rushing burns. Traverse the purple heather clad moorland in the shadow of ice worn mountain
summits, the haunt of regal stags, and discover a history of illicit whisky production along clandestine
smugglers trails winding through wood and glen.
Stumble across ruined castles on island lochs, enjoy a lively evening in a traditional highland inn and drink
in the lochs, mountains and streams of the Cairngorm National Park. Nose and taste smoky whiskies at
world famous distilleries such as Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Aberlour and learn of the intricate processes
that produce the ’life blood of Scotland’.
Your adventure begins with two nights in Aviemore, the perfect base for walking in the Cairngorms
National Park before you head north along the Spey River to peaceful Granton-on-Spey for a night. You
then continue right into the heart of Spey single malt country and spend two nights at both Ballindalloch
and Craigellachie.
Your self guided walking tour includes 7 nights hand-picked overnight accommodation in high quality
B&B’s, country inns, and guesthouses, door to door baggage transfers between accommodation, return
transfers from Craigellachie to Aviemore, transfer on day 5, a detailed information pack with turn by turn
route notes, detailed maps and heaps of useful information. Emergency support from our office in
Scotland is of course included.
Taste smoky Speyside whiskies and learn the whisky maker’s art
Walk through the fragrant Caledonian pine forest around Loch an Eileen
Watch Ospreys hunt at the Loch Garten Osprey Centre
Follow the Glenlivet smugglers’ trails over the purple heather clad hills
Enjoy an impromptu ceilidh at a traditional highland Inn
Stay in charming B&B and country inn accommodation
WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY WITH US?
Macs Adventure is a small, energetic company dedicated to delivering adventure excellence. We have
hand picked the best possible accommodation in order to make sure that you experience the best the
Islands have to offer. We are passionate about delivering outstanding walking holidays where every last
detail is taken care of. Each holiday we offer is unique, tailor made to meet your requirements. From your
first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a local specialist who knows the region intimately.
WHISKY & WALKING IN THE CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK
EXPLORING SPEYSIDE & THE CAIRNGORMS
SUMMARY
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Accommodation: 7 nights in 3 - 4 star
B&B’s and small hotels.
Meals: 7 breakfasts. Lunch and dinner not
included but always available at accommo-
dation or nearby.
Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door baggage
transfer.
Transfers: From Glenlivet to Ballindalloch
on day 5. From Craigellachie to Aviemore
on day 8.
Information Pack: Map and route notes
will be supplied as well as a comprehensive
information pack.
Tour: Whisky & Walking in the Cairn-
gorms National Park
Code: WSSWWC
Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday
Price: see website
Single Supplement: see website
Dates: March - October
Days: 6 walking days
Nights: 7 nights
Grade: Easy to Moderate
HIGHLIGHTS
IS IT FOR ME?
This holiday provides the opportunity to escape
to one of Scotland’s most beautiful areas. Walk
through silent forest, along river trails and up
into rugged mountain landscapes. Famed for
the Speyside distilleries, the area is perfect for
both walker and whisky connoisseur.
Walking Days: 6
Nights: 7
Average Daily Distance: 10 miles per day.
Grade: Easy to Moderate
DAY 1
Arrive Aviemore and overnight
Aviemore is readily accessible by car and public
transport. The nearest airport is Inverness (2hrs)
with connections by train (47min) and coach
services (48min). Glasgow (3hrs) and Edinburgh
(4hrs) airports are good choices for international
flights and both cities have excellent bus and
train connections to Aviemore
Situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National
Park, Aviemore is surrounded by the most
extensive range of high mountains in the UK with
a vast tundra like wilderness on it’s doorstep.
Beneath the imposing peaks the Spey valley cuts
deep into the landscape providing a route along
the River Spey through ancient woodland and
heather clad moors.
Overnight: Aviemore, 3 or 4 star guesthouse/
hotel
DAY 2
Circular walk to Loch an Eilein
From Aviemore you walk through the
Rothiemurchus Forest to Loch an Eilein. This
beautiful loch even has a ruined 14th century
castle on an island, once the stronghold of the
‘Wolf of Badenoch’, the third son of King Robert
II of Scotland. The famous cattle rustler or
‘reiver’, Rob Roy MacGregor, is also known to
have used the loch and one side is known as
‘Robber’s Way’.
While it is certainly much quieter now, the
ancient Caledonian pine forest is filled with the
sounds of many rare and local birds, including
the endemic Scottish crossbill and the diminutive
crested tit.
Walk: 10 miles / 16km, 4-5 hrs
Overnight: Aviemore, 3 or 4 star guesthouse/
hotel
DAY 3
Walk to Granton-on-Spey
Following the Speyside Way you leave Aviemore
following the banks of the River Spey through
forests and along riverside trails. On the way you
can visit the Loch Garten Osprey Centre where a
viewing hide allows close observation of the
breeding birds. If you are lucky you will see these
impressive raptors swooping to catch fish from
the surface of the loch. The surrounding RSPB
Abernethy Forest Reserve contains the largest
remaining remnant of Caledonian pine forest in
Scotland and a stealthy approach may reward
you with views of acrobatic red squirrels amongst
the lichen covered branches.
Another highlight is the Spey Valley
Smokehouse, where you have the opportunity to
watch the age old art of smoking and curing
salmon. Finish the day by walking into Granton-
on-Spey, a traditional Scottish town dating from
the 1760s.
The walk can be shortened by taking the
Strathspey Steam Railway to Boat of Garten or
Nethy Bridge.
Walk: 11 - 17 miles / 17.7 - 27.4km, 5-7 hrs
Overnight: Granton-on-Spey, 3 or 4 star
guesthouse/hotel
DAY 4
Walk to Ballindalloch
A quiet day of walking through the rich forest and
tranquillity of the Spey River Valley. The
Anagach pinewoods have been managed to
encourage the impressive strutting capercaillie.
This huge glossy green and black bird, a
member of the grouse family, is very rare and
local with a distinctive bubbling mating call that
ends with a sound like a cork being drawn from a
bottle! Whisky fans can look forward to the
Cragganmore Distillery at the end of the day.
Walk: 13 miles / 21km, 6 hrs
Overnight: Ballindalloch, 3 or 4 star
guesthouse/hotel
DAY 5
Walk to Glenlivet
Ballindalloch is the site of the beautiful and
renowned Ballindalloch Castle and is well worth
a visit. Leaving the village the route takes you out
into the wild scenery of upland, purple heather
clad, moorland. Rising up to the summits of
Cairncay and Deskie the trail descends to the
welcoming site of the Glenlivet distillery and
surrounding estate. The estate has several
excellent trails leading you into the wild uplands
with views of the Cairngorm mountains, allowing
you to follow in the footsteps of illicit whisky
smugglers of the 18th century.
At the end of your days walk you will be
transferred back to Ballindalloch for a second
WHISKY & WALKING IN THE CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK
EXPLORING SPEYSIDE & THE CAIRNGORMS
ITINERARY: WSSSWWC
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Day Route Miles
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Arrive Aviemore Circular walk to Loch an Eilein Walk to Granton-on-Spey Walk to Ballindalloch Walk to Glenlivet Walk to Craigellachie Circular walk to Glen-fiddich Distillery Transfer to Aviemore and onward travel
0 10
11/17
13 7 12 12
night.
Walk: 7 miles / 11.3km, 5 hrs
Overnight: Ballindalloch, 3 or 4 star
guesthouse/hotel
DAY 6
Walk to Craigellachie
Your route closely follows the River Spey today
and you are spoilt for choice if you would like to
visit a distillery. Cardhu, Aberlour and Macallan
Distilleries are all on or very close to the route.
You could also visit the cooperage centre where
the whisky barrels are made.
Craigellachie really is at the heart of Speyside
whisky production and the local Inn has over 550
whiskies behind the bar
Walk: 12 miles / 19.3km, 5-6hrs
Overnight: Craigellachie, 3 or 4 star
guesthouse/hotel
DAY 7
Circular walk to Dufftown and
Glenfiddich Distillery
Leaving the River Spey you enjoy a varied circuit
to visit the small village of Dufftown and the world
famous Glenfiddich Distillery. The trail follows the
River Fiddich and an easy ascent provides you
with panoramic views of the Spey Valley from the
summit of Gownie Path at 1100 ft.
You will surely wish to visit the distillery which
was set up in 1886 with the goal of creating the
‘best dram in the valley’. You can make your own
decision with a tour ranging from the general
distillery experience to a ‘connoisseur tour’.
Walk: 12 miles / 19.3km, 506 hrs
Overnight: Craigellachie, 3 or 4 star
guesthouse/hotel
DAY 8
Transfer to Aviemore and depart
After breakfast a taxi (included) will transfer you
to Aviemore where you can catch a train or bus
to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and other
destinations in Scotland.
Accommodation
We specifically choose your accommodation to
ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay.
The Whisky and Walking in the Cairngorms
holiday includes 7 nights on a B&B basis staying
in either 3 or 4 star rated B&Bs, guesthouses and
hotels. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers,
traditional hospitality and delicious local food.
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights at any point along
the walk, please contact us for more details.
Single Rooms
Single occupancy rooms are available though
this will incur an additional charge.
Solo Walkers
The Whisky & Walking in the Cairngorms holiday
is suitable for solo walkers.
Meals
A hearty breakfast is included each morning.
Lunch and dinner are not included so you are
free to choose from the available options. Your
accommodations will more than happy to provide
a packed lunch on request and this can be
booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at
your accommodation or nearby pubs.
Navigation
The walks on the Walking & Whisky in the
Cairngorms holiday is not way marked on all
sections. We provide detailed route notes and
maps to ensure that you can follow the route with
ease.
Grade
This route is graded easy to moderate. Daily
distances increase on some days and the terrain
may be rugged underfoot with some hills but not
too strenuous. Perfect for those with a relatively
good level of fitness.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred from your
accommodation as per your itinerary and moved
onto your next overnight accommodation. We
ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to
20kg per person.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment
list which includes standard walking gear such as
good walking boots or shoes, warm and
waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Dogs
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate
walkers with dogs as many of the
accommodation providers do not accept pets.
Recommended Reading
The Whisky River: Distilleries of Speyside -Robin
Laing - ISBN: 978-1905222971
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with us that you have
suitable travel insurance that covers you for
cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.
Getting to and from Aviemore
By Air - Inverness (2 hours) is the closest
airport to Aviemore and serves flights from many
UK cities including London, Manchester,
WHISKY & WALKING IN THE CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK
EXPLORING SPEYSIDE & THE CAIRNGORMS
HOLIDAY INFORMATION
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Birmingham and Bristol. Airport buses to the
centre of Inverness (23min) connect with both
direct train (47min) and coach services (48min).
Both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are good
choices for international flights.
By Train/Bus - Both Glasgow and Edinburgh
have excellent bus and train connections to
Aviemore with a journey time of between 3 and 4
hours from each. Trains from London to
Aviemore take approximately 8.5 hours and
involve changes at Edinburgh, Haymarket or
Perth depending on the service.
In order to plan your journey correctly via public
transport we suggest that you utilise the
Traveline website: www.travelinescotland.com
By Road - Aviemore is located just off the
main A9 road that runs between central Scotland
and the far north east of Scotland. From
Edinburgh and Glasgow the distances are 129
miles and 142 miles respectively with a driving
time of between 2 hours 40mins and 3 hours
From Inverness the distance is 30 miles with a
driving time of 45mins.
Availability
This walking holiday is available between March
and October. You can start on any date that suits
your travel plans though it is important to note
that many of the distilleries may be closed at the
weekends. You will find up to date availability on
our website.
Price
Detailed up to date prices for all holidays are
available on our website.
Included
7 Nights accommodation in hand picked B&B, guesthouses, small hotels in en suite rooms (3 or 4 star).
7 Breakfasts.
Daily door to door baggage transfer of 1 bag of up to 20kg per person.
Transfer from Glenlivet to Ballindalloch on day 5.
Transfer from Craigellachie to Aviemore on day 8.
A detailed information pack, route notes and maps.
Emergency telephone support from our Glasgow office and out of hours support.
Excluded
Travel to / from Aviemore.
Any additional transfers.
Whisky tasting/tours.
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks.
Travel Insurance.
Personal Equipment.
Any entrance fees, admissions or services not specified.
Optional extras
Single room supplement if applicable.
Additional nights during the holiday.
Once you have read all the information in this
factsheet or our website and would like to go
ahead with your booking you can book securely
online at www.macsadventure.com or by
telephone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886.
Financial Security
In accordance with "The Package Travel,
Package Holidays and Package Tours
Regulations1992" all passengers booking with
Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the
initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all
monies paid to us, including repatriation if
required (this insurance will not cover repatriation
the country of origin for the passengers outside
of the EU), arising from cancellation or
curtailment of your travel arrangements due to
the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd. There is
no requirement for Financial Protection of day
trips, and none is provided. This insurance is
only valid for packages booked that DO NOT
include flights.
Book with Confidence. We are a member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We provide full financial protection for your money.
ABTA Member Statement
Macs Adventure Holidays is a Member of ABTA.
ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers
to get the most from their travel and assist when
things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged
to maintain a high standard of service to you by
ABTA’s Code of Conduct.
For more information on
ABTA, the Code of
Conduct and the
arbitration scheme available to you if you have a
complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London
SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 0581 www.abta.com
WHISKY & WALKING IN THE CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK
EXPLORING SPEYSIDE & THE CAIRNGORMS
HOW TO BOOK
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
PRICE & AVAILABILITY