Speyside (Spey) DistilleriesBing Map of Speyside (Spey) Distilleries
The Spey is the second longest river in Scotland, flowing from Loch Spey some 10 miles south of Fort Augustus at the SW end of Loch Ness, for over 100 miles to Spey Bay, with some 20 distilleries in its immediate catchment. Though the Lossie, Findhorn, Isla and Deveron are not tributaries of the Spey, the distilleries along their banks are also considered part of the Speyside region. This page however deals with those distilleries in its immediate vicinity - including the distillery named Speyside, which is close to the Spey but fairly remote from other Speyside distilleries. Technically, Dalwhinnie is now also a Speyside distillery, but traditionally it has always been regarded as Highland, and is listed on Highland pages.
Flowing through Cromdale near to Balmenach distillery the river is accompanied by the A95 and the Speyside Way, following from Tormore distillery the course of the old railway. Cragganmore distillery lies near the remains of Ballindalloch station and the confluence with the River Avon. On the other side of the Avon, is the impressive Ballindalloch Castle, now home to Ballindalloch distillery, opened in 2014. The Spey then flows under the bridge at Blacksboat before passing the neighbouring distilleries of Tamdhu and Knockando either side of the Knockando Burn (Cardhu is a mile up the burn), and Glenfarclas a little more than a mile over the Hill of Phones from the south bank. At Carron, the Spey passes the former Imperial distillery, now replaced by the new Dalmunach distillery, thence under what used to be a joint road and rail bridge. Shortly thereafter the railway had a siding into the Dailuaine distillery. The A95 has continued more than 50 meters above the river since around Ballindalloch, but descends to river level as it enters (Charlestown of) Aberlour, first passing the eponymous distillery and the Aberlour Burn (Glenallachie and Benrinnes distilleries lie a couple of miles upstream on this burn). The next town, Craigellachie lies two miles further along the river, boasting its own distillery and overlooked on the other (northern) bank by the imposing Macallan distillery at Easter Elchies. Craigellachie is also the site of the old bridge built in 1814 by Thomas Telford and the confluence with the River Fiddich. Another four miles on is Rothes with its cluster of distilleries (Glen Spey, Glenrothes, Glen Grant and Speyburn - little now remains of Caperdonich). At Boat o' Brig the river is crossed by road and rail bridges and joined by the Burn of Mulben - Auchroisk, the Spey's final distillery lies a mile or so up the steep eastern bank of the river. |
Page updated 16/02/2018
Spey |
Avon/Livet
Braeval Glenlivet Tamnavulin Tomintoul Fiddich/Dullan Allt-a-Bhainne Balvenie Convalmore (closed) Dufftown Glendullan Glenfiddich Kininvie Mortlach Parkmore (closed) Pittyvaich (demolished) |
anCnoc (Knockdhu)
Ardmore Aultmore Banff (demolished) Glendronach Glen Keith Glentauchers Knockdhu (anCnoc) Macduff Strathisla Strathmill |
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