DISTANCE: 9.28 K
TIME TAKEN 1hr 49 min
AVERAGE SPEED 5.1 kmp
MIN ELEVATION 128m
MAX ELEVATION 202M
CATEGORY: Easy on mostly designated paths but with one road section (steep incline) and some off path (on the flat along west bank of River Spey)
We often have guests who want to enjoy Speyside on foot while at the same time visting the world renowned Distlleries in the area. This walk starts and ends at Norlaggan in Aberlour.
Take the Speyside Way along the East Bank of the Spey heading to Craigellachie. After about 2.5 k you will come to LARGE red brick retaining wall which was built by Irish "Navvies" during the construction of the Speyside Railway. Just before you enter the old railway tunnel pause and look down to the River where you will see a whirlpool (depending on the height of the water.
Carry on through the tunnel and then through a tunnel under the New Bridge. The path will take you along the side of the Craigellachie Hotel and to the back of the Highlander Inn (an ideal place to stop for a pint, a dram or bar meal - while there check out the collection of whiskies particularly the selection of Japanese Whiskies in the alcove and also the complete "Flora & Fauna" collection in the glass case near the main door)
Back to the path and take a left (North) into the park. Keep the fence on the right and pass under the New Bridge to arrive at the Thomas Telford Bridge car park (pause to read the information board). The old bridge used to be the main road to Elgin but was replaced because of difficulty articulated lorries and buses had negotiating the bend at the far end. Cross the Bridge (excellent spot to photograph the River) and take a sharp right to join the main road at the far end of the new road). Before you reach the new road you will see a path heading up the hill to the left. This used to be the main road but is now very overgrown with only a half meter path left. In (or after) heavy rain this path is almost a burn so stout, waterproof shoes or boots essential.
This path will take you on the the main Craigellachie/Archiestown road. Remember to walk ON THE RIGHT facing oncoming traffic and be aware that it may, depending on the traffics site of the road, to step on to the verge to allow traffic to pass safely.
Uphill climb now, but at the top you will be rewarded with fine views over the River to Craigellachie, The Conval Hills and Ben Rinnes.
The entrance to Macallan Distillery is on the left. Pause to look at the little cottage close to the entrance and note how the ivy has completed destroyed the gable of the house. Hopefully the Distillery will renovate this lovely cottage at some time in the future.
Walk down the road (new bonded warehouses on the right) but be aware of cars and lorries using the road to access the distillery (again walk on the right)
You will pass the Emergency Rendezvous Point on the left and a water storage facility for filling the fire appliances if required. Pass the car park and the Visitor Centre is on the left (stop for a tour and a dram)
You are now going to go downhill through the distillery but TAKE the first turn on the right passed the new still house (if you look through the glass doors you will see the stills which are some of the shortest in Scotland (the tallest being at Glenmorangie)
Follow the road down past water filtration system and you will see a path on the right with a new metal gate (and also highland cattle in the paddock on the right) please close the gate after use.
Through the gate into a field. PLEASE KEEP TO THE EDGE OF THE FIELD and head to the river then along the river edge of the field, into next field and then over a style on to the main path on west side of the River. Head on until you get to the Penny Bridge, cross the Bridge and walk along the Riverside Path through the park. Notice the old station and the Mash Tun Whisky bar to the right of the Station (another good stop-off for pint, dram or food)
Follow the marked post to return back to Norlaggan (White Summerhouse At Bottom Of Garden)
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