Nestled in the heart of Speyside, The Tannochbrae offers the perfect base for walking and hiking groups looking to explore some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes. Whether you’re after gentle riverside rambles or challenging hill climbs, there’s a trail for every pace and preference right on our doorstep. Here’s our guide to some of the best hikes and walks in the area:
The Speyside Way
One of Scotland’s Great Trails, the Speyside Way stretches approximately 137 km (85 miles) from Buckie on the Moray Coast to Newtonmore in the Cairngorms. The trail follows the River Spey, offering gentle gradients, scenic riverside paths, and woodland stretches. The circular route between Aberlour and Dufftown is particularly popular with whisky walkers, connecting several iconic distilleries along the way.
Distance: 137 km / 85 miles
Distance Dufftown to Aberlour: 19.2 km / 12 miles
Time: Typically completed over 6–9 days
Terrain: Mix of riverside paths, forest tracks, and moorland
Official website: speysideway.org
The Isla Way
Linking the distillery towns of Dufftown and Keith, the Isla Way is a 20.5 km (12.75 miles) linear trail that follows an old railway line through peaceful glens and farmland. It’s a full-day walk, typically taking 4–5 hours to complete. The route includes a 3 km stretch along the B9014 road, which lacks a verge, so caution is advised. Public transport options are available in both towns, and the Keith & Dufftown Heritage Railway that is run by local volunteers offers a charming alternative for a one-way journey.
Distance: 20.5 km / 12.75 miles
Time: 4–5 hours
Terrain: Minor roads, tracks, good paths, some tussocks
More information: walkhighlands.co.uk
The Dava Way
The Dava Way is a 38 km (23.6 miles) trail that follows the route of the old Highland railway line between Forres and Grantown-on-Spey. The path offers a mix of farmland, woodland, and moorland, with panoramic views across the Moray countryside. It’s a great choice for groups looking to experience remote and expansive landscapes.
Distance: 38 km / 23.6 miles
Time: Typically completed over 1–2 days
Terrain: Old railway line, moorland, and forest paths
Official website: davaway.org.uk
The Moray Coastal Trail
Although a bit further afield, the Moray Coastal Trail is well worth a mention. This 72 km (45 miles) route stretches from Forres to Cullen, offering dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages. Walk a section for a rewarding day trip from The Tannochbrae. Stop in at Cullen, home of the internationally famous Cullen Skink Soup, or for the best ice cream in the region in Port Soy or stop in at one of the best coastline restaurants The Bootlegger Bothy for a bite to eat in Hopeman.
Distance: 72 km / 45 miles
Time: Typically completed over 3–5 days
Terrain: Coastal paths, beaches, and cliff tops
More information: scotlandsgreattrails.com
Climbing Corbetts – Ben Rinnes
For those looking for a more challenging climb, Ben Rinnes stands proudly as a local Corbett (hills between 2,500 and 3,000 feet). The climb to the summit is straightforward but steep in places, and the reward is an exceptional 360-degree view across Moray all the way to the coast, Aberdeenshire, and the Cairngorms.
Height: 841 m / 2,759 ft
Distance: Approximately 7.5 km / 4.7 miles round trip
Time: 3–4 hours
Terrain: Hill path with some steep sections
More information: walkhighlands.co.uk
Glenlivet Estate Trails
The Glenlivet Estate offers a series of well-marked trails ranging in length and difficulty, taking you through ancient woodland, across moorland, and past ruins and rivers. These routes are ideal for walkers seeking variety, peaceful surroundings, and well-maintained paths. It’s also here, deep in the hills and glens, that you’ll find traces of old smugglers’ trails — once used to move illicit whisky through the landscape under cover of darkness, long before legal distilling took hold.
Stopping in at the Glenlivet Distillery for a tour or tasting after your walk is a rewarding way to round off the day.
More information on the local trails: glenlivetestate.co.uk
Or: Glenlivet Distillery
Local Favourites from Dufftown
While staying locally, there are plenty of shorter but rewarding walks right from The Tannochbrae’s doorstep, we have a downloadable map for you here Dufftown Paths, a few of our most popular walks are:
The Giant’s Chair – A scenic circular route along Dullan River with views, woodland paths, and legend-rich terrain, this is well shaded and perfect for warmer days.
Loch Park & Drummuir – This route offers easy access along quiet country roads, passing by a tranquil loch, with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy peaceful forest paths. You can choose to walk there and back or catch the train one way and make a day of it.
The Viking Path – A lesser-known but beautiful trail with elevated views.
The Convals – Hike up and over the Conval hills for great views back across Dufftown and the surrounding countryside.
For more information on local paths visit: Moray Ways
Speyside a Walkers Paradise
Whether you’re looking for a full-day hiking challenge or a relaxed pre-dinner stroll, Speyside offers it all — rolling hills, ancient forests, hidden glens, flowing rivers, dramatic coastlines, rich history, and of course, world-renowned distilleries. There truly is something for everyone.
At The Tannochbrae, we offer the ideal base for walking groups ready to explore the great outdoors. With drying space, outdoor BBQ area, private whisky bar, flexible accommodation — from self-catering to full service — and all the modern comforts of a private home, you’ll also enjoy the charm, warm welcome, and heritage of a truly Scottish retreat.
Planning your walking holiday? We’re happy to help with route ideas, maps, and even a dram to welcome you back, just drop us a line, or you can book directly here.
Image credits: Credit North East 250 / Damian Shields
