Things to do in Craigellachie
Craigellachie is a small village in the heart of Speyside. The connection to Speyside whisky is obvious with famous whisky hotels and bars and a bridge which has become synonymous with the area. Things to do in Craigellachie include:
- Admire Craigellachie Distillery
- Visit a whisky pub/bar
- Walk the Speyside Way
- Visit Craigellachie Bridge
- Speyside Cooperage
- Macallan Distillery
- Craigellachie bridge
Craigellachie Bridge
Craigellachie Bridge was built in 1814 and spans the fast flowing River Spey. This popular beauty spot is only a short walk from the village. You can photograph the scenic bridge and watch the Spey drift by. From the area around the two main hotels, the Craigellachie Hotel and the Highlander Inn walk down the hill towards the bridge, Just before the main road, turn right into into a car park area. Walk under the road bridge and through some trees to the bridge and River Spey.
Craigellachie Distillery
Craigellachie Distillery is not usually open to visitors although check out the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival as the distillery often puts on tours at festival time. It’s a short walk up from the Craigellachie Hotel to the distillery which was built in 1891. From the gates you can see the impressive stills, especially if the shutters are up.
Whisky Pubs and Bars
This tiny place has three of the best known whisky pubs or bars in the world. The Spey Inn (previously known as the Copper Dog) in the Craigellachie Hotel, the bar in the Highlander Inn and just on the outer fringe of the village is the Fiddichside Inn. Each boasting a fine selection of malt whiskies with many rare and interesting examples.
The Speyside Way
At the foot of the Highlander Inn and Craigellachie Hotel lies the Speyside Way. This disused railway is now recognised as one of the long distance walking routes in Scotland.
However, short walks would be Rothes to the north and Aberlour to the south. There is also a walk from Craigellachie to Dufftown.
Speyside Cooperage
The Speyside Cooperage offers a tour where after an audio visual presentation, you actually get to see the coopers at work, building and repairing barrels. The gift shop has a good selection of books and souvenirs including some crafted from the oak barrels. The onsite café is now closed. Although not too far out of the village, there is no path or pavement and you should not walk to the cooperage. You can see the scale of the Speyside Cooperage from the aerial footage below.
Macallan Distillery
Craigellachie’s nearest distillery which can be visited is The Macallan Distillery. The new distillery and visitor experience was opened in 2018 just short distance from the old distillery. Tours and tastings are popular and in high demand. The impressive whisky wall documents the history of The Macallan. Time Spirit (previously Elchies Brasserie) offers amazing food experiences and is situated on the 1st floor, as is The Macallan Bar.
Don’t walk to The Macallan Distillery from Craigellachie as there is no path or pavement and it’s a fast, narrow, uphill country road. Take a taxi!
Visiting Craigellachie at Whisky Festival Time
Craigellachie plays a big role in the Speyside Whisky Festival hosting some key events. It’s usually held around the end of April early May. Some event possibilities to look out for are Craigellachie Distillery Tours, the Whisky Auction and listen to live music in the Copper Dog.
Craigellachie is in central Speyside. It’s just 5 miles to Dufftown and less than 2 miles to Aberlour where you will find more activities.
Where next? Things to do in Moray