THE TOUR
The old Strathspey Rail Line between Aberlour (gaelic translation Mouth of the Chattering Burn) and Craigellachie (Rocky Hill) now forms part of the Speyside Way long distance path and offers stunning scenery as it shadows the mighty River Spey reputed to be the fastest flowing river in Scotland. The Strathspey Rail Line opened in 1863 to serve the local distilleries but due to improved road access the rail line closed in the 1970’s and was incorporated into the Speyside Way mid 1980’s. No vehicular access has been allowed since then unless authorised by the local Council.

The route passes numerous Spey fishing beats with salmon pool names such as  the Shampoch , the Tunnel Brae and the Boat Hole. It offers views across to the impressive Aberlour Suspension Bridge built in 1902,  the imposing Manor House at Easter Elchies now the home of The Macallan Distillery and the famous single arch span Craigellachie Bridge built by engineer Thomas Telford in 1814. The route also offers unrivalled access to several of the finest hostelries and traditional Inns within Speyside and it is here our main interest lies. Join us in this unique tour along the route of the historic Strathspey Rail Line retracing the daily journey of whisky trains from a bygone age.

THE ITINERARY
You will be met at The Square in Aberlour at 1000hrs by the owner/operator of our Tour Company Charlie Ironside, who is a native of Speyside (Craigellachie)  and has an unrivalled knowledge of the area.  Charlie will take you to the nearby Mash Tun Whisky Bar where, as a taster of the day to come, a breakfast comprising of porridge laced with Drambuie (Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Liqueur) will be served.

Around 10.30 am you will leave the Mash Tun and travel in ‘The Monarch O’ the Glen’ our specially adapted Argocat 8 wheel drive vehicle which has comfortable seating for five passengers under a full canopy which protects from the elements. We proceed at a leisurely pace along the route of the old Strathspey Rail Line shadowing the banks of the River Spey taking in local history, scenery and wildlife before arrival at our first port of call.

The Highlander Inn is a highly regarded village hotel and a multiple Whisky Bar of The Year winner. Here you will be invited to imbibe in a glass of a single cask malt whisky bottled exclusively for the Highlander Inn, the nature, characteristics and source of which will be explained to you by the hotel’s recognised whisky expert Tatsuya Minagawa..                             

Around 11.20 hrs we leave the Highlander Inn and continue on the Strathspey Rail Line to the old Craigellachie Railway Station which is adjacent to the Fiddichside Inn situated on the banks of the River Fiddich. This hostelry is one of the most traditional in the Highlands and is a well loved haunt of local fishers. ‘Joe’ the owner of the Fiddichside Inn will serve a quality Speyside single malt as you soak up the atmosphere in this quaint Inn.

We leave the Fiddichside Inn (I can guarantee you won’t want to) around midday to travel to the famous Craigellachie Hotel where you can relax in The Quaich Whisky Bar and enjoy a 40 year old Strathisla single malt whilst overlooking the Thomas Telford Bridge on the River Spey. This prestigious Hotel once had fishing rights on the Spey and attracted anglers from around the world. Nowadays it caters for all interests and is the quality destination to visit whilst in Speyside.

We leave the Craigellachie Hotel around 12.30 hrs and travel to Alice Littler Park Aberlour to a spot under the shadow of the Aberlour Suspension Bridge on the Banks of the River Spey where Charlie will serve you with a traditional wicker basket picnic chosen from our menu. Lunch will be taken at leisure in the awning of our Argocat.

After lunch we have a short walk from the Alice Littler Park to the Aberlour Distillery passing the beautiful packhorse bridge over the Lour Burn en route.  At 1400hrs you will commence a luxury 2 hour guided tour of the Distillery encompassing whisky nosing, tasting, and a full explanation of the whisky making process from grain to glass.

This is a unique opportunity to discover the real ‘Spirit of Speyside’ through the history, scenery, nature and of course the whiskies of this unspoilt area.

At the moment we at Glenlivet Hill Trek only have permission to access the Speyside Way route of the old Strathspey Rail Line for the duration of the 2010 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.  This may well be a one off event, don’t miss it. 

Full public liability insurance is in force.

Stout footwear and warm clothing should be worn.

Tours are limited to one per day at the all inclusive price of £120 per person.

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