Speyside Cooperage

© North East 250 / Damian Shields

Speyside's malt whisky trail

Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail is the only trail of its kind in the world. Set in the heart of stunning Speyside, this trail takes in seven world-famous working distilleries, one historic distillery and the fascinating Speyside Cooperage.

Speyside is often called 'Malt Whisky Country' as its home to more than half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries and is one of the country’s five whisky regions.

Start / Finish
Glenlivet / Forres
  • Days
    3
  • Distance
    62Miles

    99km
  • Transport
    Car
  • Main theme
    Whisky
Highlights
Whisky
Landscapes
Areas covered
North

Day 1Glenlivet, Knockando, Craigellachie

Your whisky adventure begins deep in the heart of Speyside. After your first distillery visit, you’ll follow the River Spey north to Knockando for the second distillery before heading west to Craigellachie to round your day off with a visit to the UK’s only working cooperage.

  • Glenlivet Distillery Glenlivet

    The Glenlivet Distillery

    A guided tour of Glenlivet Distillery will give you an insight into the intriguing history of this spectacular single malt. Treat your senses as you enjoy a dram drawn straight from a cask in Warehouse No.3, followed by the chance to taste two further samples in surrounds of the dram room.

    Find out more about Glenlivet Distillery
    Glenlivet Distillery,Glenlivet,AB37 9DB
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
  • Cardhu Distillery Rothes

    Cardhu Distillery Kitchen

    Did you know?

    Cardhu was the first distillery to be officially pioneered by a woman.

    Cardhu Distillery offers a range of experiences for you to learn more about the Speyside malt enjoyed both on its own, and as the heart of Johnnie Walker whiskies.

    There are full-sensory tours, tutored whisky tastings and challenges.

    Find out more about Cardhu Distillery
    Knockando,Rothes,AB38 7RY
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
  • Speyside Cooperage Craigellachie

    Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre

    Discover the spectacular Speyside Cooperage in Dufftown, considered by many to be the heart of the Speyside whisky region.

    This is the only working cooperage in the UK. Witness the ancient art of creating whisky barrels using traditional tools and methods.

    Find out more about Speyside Cooperage
    Dufftown Road,Craigellachie,Craigellachie,AB38 9RS
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Cafe or Restaurant

Day 2Dufftown, Rothes, Keith

The second part of your whisky adventure is a day in whisky heaven, with tours of three working distilleries. Today continues in Dufftown, the 'Malt Whisky Capital' of the world.

  • Glenfiddich Distillery Dufftown

    Glenfiddich Distillery

    Did you know?

    The first drops of whisky flowed from the stills on Christmas Day in 1887.

    Glenfiddich Distillery was built by William Grant and his family over a period of 18 months. It’s one of the few single malt distilleries to remain family owned.

    Learn about the maverick whisky makers, the history of Glenfiddich and the whisky making process on their tour. The tour ends with a selection of samples, or a drivers’ tasting pack to take away.

    Find out more about Glenfiddich Distillery
  • Glen Grant Distillery Rothes

    Glen Grant Distillery and Garden

    Glen Grant Distillery is the only Scotch whisky distillery named after its founding owners. Explore the distillery's beautiful Victorian Garden then take a guided tour or private tasting session to find out more about the distinctive dram.

    Find out more about Glen Grant Distillery
    Elgin Road,Rothes,Rothes,AB38 7BS
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
  • Strathisla Distillery Keith

    Strathisla Distillery

    Strathisla Distillery is the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands, dating back to 1786. The distillery's fantastic tours will give you an insight into the art of blending as the distillery produces a range of Chivas Regal premium blended whiskies alongside its single malt Strathisla 12-Year-Old.

    Find out more about Strathisla Distillery
    Seafield Avenue,Keith,AB55 5BS
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi

Day 3Elgin, Forres

Other things you might like

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter