Cairngorms National Park & Speyside Whisky

You depart Inverness and head south towards the Cairngorms National Park. Your first destination is the forest village of Carrbridge. Here you have time for refreshments and a wander around the old Packhorse Bridge.

A short drive via Aviemore takes you towards the Cairngorm Snow Sports Range and above the tree-line for a brilliant view of the rolling mountains.

You then descend to the Glenmore Forest Park, where you have free time to explore. Your options include a walk through the woods to Loch Morlich, which is one of Scotland’s most scenic and popular Lochs. You can admire a sandy beach and large and ancient pine trees before you make your way back to the mini-coach. If you prefer not to walk, there’s a café and exhibition at the visitor centre.

After a short drive, there’s time for lunch in the historic town of Grantown-on-Spey.

You follow the famous river Spey past several distilleries to Dufftown and the famous Glenfiddich distillery.

Glenfiddich Distillery produces the largest quantity of whisky in Scotland. But it’s far from a sterile factory, this is a historic distillery created by a famous whisky pioneering family, and the traditions and age of the site are evident. Your guide here gives you an extensive tour including a tasting of the core range of Glenfiddich’s delicious whiskies.

Near to the Distillery are the historic ruins of Balvenie Castle. There may be time to get a photo of the castle before you leave. Or if you’ve had enough whisky for the day, you can skip the Glenfiddich tour and venture into the ruins.

From here you return to Inverness in the early evening.