A taste of Scotland’s richest history…
Strathspey is steeped in the history of Scotch Whisky production. The drier micro-climate of the East is ideal for growing barley and the pristine water from the Spey combines perfectly to produce some of the most esteemed whiskies in the world. The Malt Whisky Trail reveals this story in detail from its earliest origins in secret distilleries to the global brand production of today. Experts, with generations of experience to share, will walk you through this story and lend their knowledge to help you taste this rich tradition. Why not start at the Macallan distillery visitor centre, just a 10 minute drive from the Mill? Here, landscape and distillery work in processional harmony and can be appreciated by lovers of architecture and whisky alike.
Riffles, runs and pools…
Moray’s second great river, the River Spey is also one of the fastest. Renowned for excellent salmon and trout fishing, it also boasts some incredible riverscapes. The Findhorn, Moray’s third great river sweeps out to the Moray Firth and its fine, golden coastline. A plethora of marine mammals can be seen by the naked eye from the coastline or from a boat upon the waves. Dolphins, porpoises, sea otters, minke whales and seals all call this dramatic coastline home. Seabirds, too, thrive in this unspoilt landscape with guillemots, gannets, puffins and razor bills taking advantage of its bounty in the Summer months. In the Cairngorms, close by, spy red squirrels, osprey and the iconic black grouse. The salmon fishing season and many of the river’s famous beats are within easy reach. The salmon season runs from February to September. The beautiful scenery is available all year round.
A stone’s throw from the sea…
Half an hour north of Archiestown lies the breathtaking Sunshine Coast. One of Scotland’s Great Trails, it links the royal burghs of Forres and Cullen and is a feast of dramatic cliffs, magnificent sandy beaches and delightful fishing villages along the way. Accessible to walkers, cyclists, horse riders and runners, it is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of busy life. Or perhaps sailing takes you away from the stresses of life? If so, charter a yacht and take to Loch Ness or the open sea. Some of the finest of Scotland’s seafood can be found in the restaurants here, too; as you can imagine, it spends little time between catch and plate!
From sunshine coast to mountains high…
Running from Moray Coast to the Grampian Mountains, the Speyside Way is just half a mile from Rhynagarrie Mill. It is one of Scotland four long-distance routes and links Spey Bay to The Cairngorms. Mostly following the River Spey as it goes, walkers and cyclists experience a pristine Highland riverscape with fine views of the Highlands as they go.
Ben Rinnes can be seen from Rhynagarrie Mill; climb the mountain and you will have a view of eight counties and, on a clear day, the Moray Coastline. You don’t have to climb a munro to witness the splendour of Speyside, though. There are fantastic walks on lower ground, too.
Whatever your fitness level, the Cairngorm National Park has a route for you. An unspoilt wilderness with more than 50 mountains, or munros, for you to walk, cycle or climb up, there is something for everyone to discover. You’ll find everything from an easy stroll to an 11-mile endurance hike between Cairn Gorm and Ben Macdui. Wherever you end up, the views are incredible and epitomise the natural drama of the Highlands.
Tee off by the sea…
The Highlands has prestigious courses aplenty and the Moray coast boasts many of them. Royal Dornoch is ranked in the world’s top ten. The Walker and Curtis Cups are hosted at Nairn. Castle Stuart views are among the most striking and distracting. The only problem with playing golf during your stay will be choosing where to play from so many esteemed courses: there are another 20 courses within easy driving distance both by the sea as well as hidden gems in the countryside. Make sure you have plenty of golf balls, though, because the dolphins won’t give them back to you!