Hello all- My husband and I are planning a trip to Scotland this summer, and we're finalizing the itinerary and would appreciate some advice. We have three nights that are currently unaccounted for, and the only requirements we have are that (A) in that span of time we need to get from Fintry (near Stirling) to/near Inverness, and (B) I would like to partake of some whisky. Our initial thought was to do one night in Pitlochry as Rick describes (arrive midday, hike and tour both distilleries, evening to relax), one night somewhere in between (Aviemore, Elgin?) and one night in Inverness itself. But we're totally flexible, could do two nights in Pitlochry or none, same for Inverness. I've looked a lot at the Speyside whisky trail website, but I feel like it's really light on details. We'll have a car, but I'm hesitant to drive much on the days that we're touring the distilleries (would like to be able to taste the wares!). I've heard internet rumors of "whisky taxis," but not much joy from Google. I can't believe we're the first ones on this board to have a similar plan...hoping that others have lots of good advice about how we should spend our days! Thanks in advance,
Peggy
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
If you stay in Aviemore several excellent distilleries can be reached by train or bus. Or stay in the Cambelltown/Dufftown area where there are at least 9 in the immediate area. Aviemore is not a long drive from Inverness, either. You might find these sites interesting and/or helpful: (I'm including the websites of my 2 favorite single malts- Dalwhinnie and Bealvenie-12 year doublewood) http://www.visitscotland.com/guide/inspirational/itineraries/whisky/ http://www.maltwhiskytrail.com/ http://www.scotchwhisky.net/distilleries/dist_trail.htm
http://www.discovering-distilleries.com/dalwhinnie/ http://www.thebalvenie.com/
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Pitlochry can be very nice. I like the Explorer's Garden and you need to check out what is playing at the Festival Theater. That might make the difference for you. I liked the distillery - Atholl. I want to go to the smaller one another time. The nice part was that I could walk to these. Inverness is very good. Culloden, Clava Cairns and Urquhart castle are all excellent. There are also good restaurants and live music in Inverness. Pam