Speyside
Friday, midday
Check into the Craigellachie Hotel (doubles from £130, www.craigellachiehotel.co.uk), which is steeped in Speyside whisky heritage and overlooks the lifeblood eponymous river.
1pm
Head north to Findhorn and savour lunch at the Kimberley Inn with a view of the Findhorn River as it meets the Moray Firth. Local mussels and crab star.
2:30pm
Bash out on to the Moray Firth and meet its seals and dolphins on one of North 58’s fast RIB rides (www.north58.co.uk).
5pm
Enjoy an aperitif back at the Craigellachie in one of the world’s most famous whisky bars, the newly revamped Quaich. The most expensive drams are kept under lock and key.
7pm
Dine at the Craigellachie’s Copper Dog with local smoked salmon and lamb highlights of a menu with impressive provenance. They boast a decent wine list too, though given where you are you should try one of their whisky pairings.
Saturday, 9:30am
Drive to Benromach (www.benromach. com), one of the most intriguing Speyside distilleries, given the whiff of peat that finds its way into its distinctive malts and the lack of automation at a distillery where things are still handcrafted.
10am
Take a tour at Benromach to learn about the magic that creates their single malts. If you’re short on time, just enjoy a tasting and browse their well-stocked shop.
1:30pm
Take a taxi to Aberlour where another distillery (www.aberlour.com) awaits, as well as the plush Dowans Hotel. Their restaurant offers the likes of monkfish tail with pancetta as well as Spey views. Their superb whisky bar tempts too.
3pm
Walk back to the Craigellachie on the Speyside Way, which handily runs right to the hotel.
7pm
The recently revamped Bothy in Burghead serves spot on seafood, such as fresh lobster from neighbouring Hopeman.
10pm
Savour a wee digestif back at the Craigellachie. The delicious Benromach Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured, released in spring 2019, that you snared at Benromach, will come in handy.
Sunday, 9am
Let the train take the strain on the Whisky Line, a heritage railway that eases between Keith and Dufftown. At Dufftown, myriad whisky experiences await. ■