Scottish Whisky Trail: Speyside to Islay Adventure

11 cities | 19 attraction(s) | total distance 1627 km

TIPS

The updated itinerary includes visits to famous whisky distilleries in Scotland, with highlights in the Speyside region, Isle of Skye, Oban, and Isle of Islay. You'll explore renowned distilleries like Glenfiddich, Macallan, Talisker, and Laphroaig, among others, while enjoying the natural beauty of Scotland's landscapes. This whisky-themed journey promises an unforgettable mix of whisky tasting experiences and scenic exploration, ensuring a memorable and immersive travel adventure.

Day9: Dufftown Aireborough > Moray > Craigellachie

3 attraction(s) · 8 km

Drive from Edinburgh to Inverness via Cairngorms National Park and Speyside distilleries, enjoying the scenic route and visiting famous whisky distilleries like Glenfiddich and Macallan along the way. Stay in a traditional Highland B&B in Inverness.

Glenfiddich Distillery

Traditional Victorian distillery tours taking visitors from mash and still houses to tasting room.

6 km

The Macallan Estate

Guided tours taking in whisky distillery's oak casks and copper spirit stills, plus tasting session.

2 km

Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre

Visitor centre for traditional barrelmakers with a coopering exhibition and live demonstration.

Day10: Inverness > Highland Council > Archiestown > Islay

5 attraction(s) · 403 km

Drive from Inverness to Loch Ness to explore Urquhart Castle and take a boat cruise. On the way back, stop at Dalwhinnie Distillery for a taste of their single malts.

Loch Ness Beach

10 km

Urquhart Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most important historical landmarks in the Scottish Highlands, playing a crucial role during the 14th century Scottish Wars of Independence and once being the largest castle in Scotland. It is situated on a massive rock that protrudes into the depths of Loch Ness on the south bank, providing a magnificent view of the mysterious Loch Ness. Nowadays, Eilean Donan Castle has become a ruin, silent and mysterious.

45 km

Dalwhinnie Distillery

Historic highland whisky distillery with copper vessels alongside guided tours & a shop.

85 km

Speyside

265 km

Islay

Island in the Inner Hebride regarded for its whisky distilleries alongside golf & hiking trails.

Day11: Isle Of Skye

3 attraction(s) · 37 km

Embark on a picturesque 3-hour drive from Inverness to the Isle of Skye, making a stop at the Talisker Distillery. Enjoy the rugged beauty of Skye with visits to the Fairy Pools and the Old Man of Storr before settling in at a charming inn on the island.

Talisker

Waterside whisky distillery with copper vessels and oak casks, plus guided tours and a shop.

8 km

The fairy Pools

The sides of the Fairy Pool are adorned with beautiful purple flowers, which are breathtakingly beautiful. These flowers surround the narrow and winding Fairy Pool, becoming part of the romantic atmosphere of the Fairy Pool. When the sky is clear, sunlight shines through the clouds and falls on the Isle of Skye, blending with the mountains, hills, rivers, and coastline to create a stunning and colorful scenery. Many quiet and charming villages can be found on the island, scattered between the sunlight and the mist, emanating a primitive and wild beauty. The 2.4-kilometer trail around the Fairy Pool is one of the best hiking routes and takes over an hour to complete on foot.

30 km

Old Man of Storr

Day12: Fort William > Argyll and Bute Council > Archiestown

3 attraction(s) · 232 km

Explore the drive from the Isle of Skye to Oban via the Ben Nevis Distillery, stopping in Fort William to visit the distillery at the base of Scotland's highest mountain. Continue to Oban, known as the Gateway to the Isles, and visit the Oban Distillery to experience their West Highland single malts. Stay at a waterfront B&B in Oban.

Ben Nevis Distillery

Guided tours of 19th-century distillery with a visitor centre in a former warehouse, plus tastings.

53 km

Oban Distillery

Commercial whisky producer founded in the 18th century offering distillery tours & tastings.

180 km

Speyside

Day13: Islay

3 attraction(s) · 4 km

Experience a scenic drive from Oban to the Isle of Islay, known for its eight distilleries. Explore top distilleries like Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, known for their unique whiskies. Enjoy a ferry ride and stay at a cozy Islay accommodation.

Laphroaig Distillery

Whisky-making guided tours at distillery with Royal Warrant, plus water source walks and tastings.

2 km

Lagavulin Distillery

Tours of one of Scotland's most photographed distilleries available only during the summer.

2 km

Ardbeg Distillery

Guided tours with tasting sessions and water source walks, of 19th-century malt whisky distillery.

Day14: Islay

2 attraction(s) · 5 km

Explore more Islay distilleries such as Bruichladdich and Bowmore, known for their unique whisky offerings. Take in Islay's picturesque scenery including beaches and coastal trails. Stay another night on Islay.

Bruichladdich Distillery

Pre-booked guided tours of distillery using 100% Islay barley for whisky-making, plus dram-tasting.

5 km

Bowmore Distillery

Tours detailing history and whisky production of Islay's oldest distillery, plus tasting sessions.

Day15: Islay

1 attraction(s) · 0 km

Travel from Islay to Glasgow via the scenic route through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Enjoy the ferry ride and picturesque views along the way before exploring the vibrant culture and dining scene of Glasgow. Stay at a boutique B&B for a cozy experience.

Islay

Island in the Inner Hebride regarded for its whisky distilleries alongside golf & hiking trails.

Day16: Stirling > Craigellachie

2 attraction(s) · 154 km

Experience the best of Scotland's whisky heritage with stops at distilleries in Speyside, Highlands, Isle of Skye, Islay, and Lowlands, culminating in a visit to Deanston Distillery before heading to the historic city of York for a charming stay.