River Spey
One of Scotland’s longest rivers, the Spey, crosses the county of Moray. The River Spey is probably the most famous salmon river in the World. The River Spey has its origin in the Monadhliath mountains to the east of Loch Ness and flows 100 miles northwards to enter the Moray Firth at Spey bay. In its lower course, downstream of Grantown, it is a fast flowing river, providing miles of perfect, and highly sought after, fly fishing water.
Speyside – The Whisky Region
The clear water of the River Spey has attracted many whisky distilleries and thus created one of the most important whisky regions in Scotland called Speyside. Speyside Single Malts are single malt Scotch whiskies, distilled in Strathspey, the area around the River Spey in Moray and Badenoch and Strathspey, in northeastern Scotland. The two best-selling single malt whiskies in the world, The Glenlivet & Glenfiddich, come from Speyside. Strathspey has the greatest number of distilleries of any of the whisky producing areas of Scotland.
Malt Whisky Trail
Follow the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail through Speyside to visit working distilleries, including a fascinating cooperage and a historic distillery. From Benromach to Dallas Dhu, a perfect time capsule of whisky-making; from Glen Moray to Strathisla, home and heart of Chivas Regal; from the Glen Grant distillery to the Speyside Cooperage where real coopers work with incredible speed and skill; from Glenfiddich to The Glenlivet and the Cardhu distillery, Scotland’s whisky trail signposts lead you through the picturesque lush countryside of Speyside, the world’s favourite malt whisky region.
Map of Speyside Whisky Distilleries
Elgin
Elgin is the largest town in Moray and administrative capital. This attractive town with its many beautiful buildings such as the Cathedral, although ruined, is home to a famous shop in South Street where you find Gordon and MacPhail’s shop. Founded in 1895 Gordon and MacPhail’s production of independent bottlings is well known amongst the many whisky enthusiasts. On the edge of Elgin is Glen Moray Distillery with its excellent visitor centre.

Lossiemouth
Lossiemouth is situated on the Moray Firth and has miles of beautiful beaches backed by wonderful dunes. It’s an ideal location for beach walks and to get away from it all. The town has a lovely tranquil atmosphere and is well equipped for golf lovers with the Moray Golf Club directly to the west. The Moray Forth has a resident population of Dolphins and boat trips from the harbour can take you out dolphin spotting.

Dufftown
Tomintoul and The Glenlivet Estate
If you like rolling hills, wonderful scenery and great walks a visit to The Glenlivet Estate should be on your list. The 58.000 acres Crown Estate is located in the south of Moray and is part of the Cairngorms National Park. Late summer/early autumn is a great time to visit as the hills turn purple when the Heather is in bloom. In nearby Tomintoul is a visitor centre, open all year from Mon – Fri, 9am -5pm, which provides more information. www.glenlivetestate.co.uk

Ballindalloch Castle
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Themed on Whisky, Food, Music and the Heritage & Culture of Speyside, the Festival offers a wide array of quality events held annually in April. www.spiritofspeyside.com
Further Information:
- Hotels in Moray
- Moray Speyside Tourism
- Scottish Landscapes Image Gallery
- Abbeys and Castles Image Gallery
photo river spey Iain Macaulay, elgin cathedral by Neil Parley, dufftown clocktower by Christopher Gillan cc license 2.0.
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