5 Days Walking / 6 Overnight Stays

If you are a fit walker with well worn in boots, then you may wish to take on the challenge of a five day walk. Having walked the trail ourselves, then we can advise that it is definitely achievable, though being a fair challenge especially in adverse weather conditions  

 

Day 1

Travel to Buckie

Buckie with a population of 8000 is a tiny fishing village on the Moray Firth. Trains reach as far as nearby Elgin where a bus or taxi will take you to Buckie

 

Day 2

Buckie to Fochabers

(10 miles/16.5 km)

Leaving Buckie follow the Spey Bay before turning south to start your adventure along the River Spey. After a gentle first day’s walk you will reach the stage of Fochabers a village built by the 4th Duke of Gordon in 1776 because the original settlement and its population were close to his castle!

 

Day 3

Fochabers to Craigellachie

(13 miles/21 km)

The climb out of Fochabers will reward you with fine views of the Spey Valley. Lovely walking through woodland and farmland will take you to Craigellachie where the waters of the Fiddich add their magic to the splendid Spey. The local hotel and the Highlander Inn are two of the best Malt Whisky Bars in Scotland!

 

Day 4

Craigellachie to Ballindalloch

(12 miles/19 km)

Easy walking this day as you meander with the Spey towards the hamlet of Ballindalloch. On your way you will pass near to Aberlour and another chance to visit a fine Malt Whisky Distillery! Booking in advance essential for a tour of the distillery

 

Day 5

Ballindalloch to Grantown

(13 miles/21 km)

The Way drifts apart from the Spey at the beginning of today’s walk and after passing through farmland and wood you return to the Spey and head for Grantown-on-Spey. This fine Georgian town has a lovely square and a local museum

 

Day 6

Grantown to Aviemore

(17 miles/27.5 km)

Again farmland and forest will tug you away from the Spey. As you leave Nethy Bridge you will pass the Abernethy Nature Reserve and Loch Garten. After Boat of Garten you pass through woodland and your guide today is the Strathspey Steam Railway. Look out for the smoke as it passes through the Scots Pine. Soon you are on open moorland with fine views of the Cairngorm Mountains before you enter the highland town of Aviemore and the end of the Way. It is worth noting that as an extension of the Way has been planned since 2009 there is no official end to the Speyside Way! We have nominated the Cairngorm National Park display, just after the Police Station on the left hand side of the road as you walk into Aviemore, as a  fitting place for ‘that’ photograph!

 

Extra Nights/Rest Days: many people take an extra night in the bustling tourist town of Aviemore and/or an extra night in Craigellachie for the Dufftown Spur or Ballindalloch for the Tomintoul Spur

Price of Package: £610.00 per person (based on two persons sharing)

Included:

+ Six overnight stays in selected quality b&bs/guest houses/hotels with ensuite facilities

+ Full Scottish breakfast

+ Baggage transfer from stage to stage

+ Speyside Way Harvey Map and Rucksack Readers Guide

+ Comprehensive tour pack with full information on your walk including location details for your accommodations and local facilities

+ The services of the Gemini Team prior to and during your holiday

Not Included:

– Evening meals, packed lunches and drinks (available at all stages)

– Transport to Buckie/from Aviemore

– Travel Insurance (we recommend that you arrange your own cover)

Notes:

Additional nights can be arranged at any stage, please email for a price

Single supplement for solo walkers is £55.00 per night

Single supplement for singles as part of a group is £50.00 per night

Please note that, upon the actual booking of rooms, we will do our very best to try and reduce the single or solo walkers’ supplement. This will be dependent on availability of rooms at the time of booking

Group Discounts for 4 or more people available on request