Things to do in Dufftown
Dufftown is the whisky capital of the world. It is often said, Rome was built on seven hills and Dufftown was built on seven stills. There are many things to do including visiting distilleries, castles and walking. It is home to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Every year visitors arrive from all over the world to take part in a wealth of whisky related events from tours, to tastings, to blending experiences to music evenings. Things to do in Dufftown include:
- The Keith and Dufftown Railway – The Whisky Train
- Glenfiddich Distillery
- Balvenie Distillery
- Balvenie Castle
- Mortlach Kirk
- Walking in Dufftown
- Auchindoun Castle
- Ben Rinnes
Glenfiddich Distillery
Glenfiddich Distillery started production on Christmas Day 1887. It is one of the most popular whisky visitor attractions in Scotland offering a number of tour types including in depth tours and warehouse tastings.
Balvenie Distillery
Just a short walk away from Glenfiddich lies Balvenie Distillery. It offers an in depth distillery tour followed by a tasting. It has recently introduced other experience including a warehouse tasting. Balvenie Distillery is one of the few whisky distilleries still operating floor maltings which are used to prepare the barley for the mash.
The Keith and Dufftown Railway – The Whisky Train
The Keith and Dufftown Railway originally opened in 1862 to serve the whisky industry and towns. It is testament to the hard work of volunteers who have taken over the 11 mile line and refurbished the train station at Dufftown. It takes about 40 minutes for a one way trip and there is a converted train carriage café (Buffer Stop) at Dufftown station serving snacks and drinks.
Balvenie Castle
Balvenie Castle was built in the late 1200s and altered by later occupants. It is a defensive stronghold – huge walls and a defensive ditch surround the courtyard indicating the lack of security in times past. There is a pleasant walk back to Dufftown. Look out for the Highland Cows, which can often be seen in the field behind Balvenie Castle.
Mortlach Kirk
Mortlach Kirk stands near Dufftown Distillery down at Dullan Water. It’s believed to be on the site of a 6th century Christian missionary centre founded by St Moluag. St Moluag came from Ireland and was an associate of St Columba.
Walking in Dufftown
Dufftown has a well organised network of paths. There are longer walks (e.g. The Isla Way to Keith) and well sign posted shorter paths. The Giant’s Chair walk takes you past Mortlach Kirk, and along Dullan Water. The smell of whisky hangs in the air as you pass Dufftown Distillery. There are points of interest including the Linen Apron Waterfall, the Giant’s Chair and the Giant’s Cradle (a strange rock formation). There’s also an interesting memorial hidden on the left after the Giant’s Chair. Most Dufftown walks start from the Dufftown Clock Tower.
Auchindoun Castle
This impressive 15th century castle sits in a stunning location surrounded by defensive ditches. Although a ruin, it is very well preserved with much of the walls and inner tower still standing. The access road is signposted from the A941Follow the farm road up to a small car park. Make sure your car has enough clearance as this is more of a farm track than normal road. Auchindoun Castle is well of the beaten track and is free to visit.
Ben Rinnes
Ben Rinnes at 840m is one of the highest mountains in Moray. It is a relatively gentle hill walk along clear paths and through stunning scenery. The final ascent is a bit steeper but worth the views over Speyside, Moray and the surrounding area. Take the B9009 from Dufftown for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn right into the Edinvillie Road and continue to the car park. Walk Highlands has a good description of the walk up Ben Rinnes.
Eating & Drinking in Dufftown
Dufftown has a number of eating places including a fish and chip takeaway, indian restaurant and chinese takeaway. Popular places to eat include the Coffee Pot, The Maltings (previously the Seven Stills) and Capercallie.
Dufftown is the centre of whisky production in the area. It’s not too far from Carigellachie and Aberlour so check out things to do in Craigellachie (5 miles) and things to do in Aberlour (5.5 miles).
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