Castles and Whiskey Trail Scotland
 

Leaving for Scotland next month, have one day for castles and whiskey trail on the way to Inverness from St Andrews. Please let me know your suggestions for the best castles along castle trail and the best whisky sites.
Thanks

We did that trip several years ago and I can't remember the castles, probably because of the whiskey trail. We went to 3 distilleries, Macallan, Glenfiddich and Oban. Oban is not anywhere close to the whiskey trail though. I will say that once you've seen a couple of them it is just repetative. Glenfiddich is about the size of a huge coca cola plant but if I remember correctly, it's right next door to Balvenie. The countryside along the Spey river is beautiful.

We did the Glenlivet distillery tour in May. We really enjoyed the drive through part of the Glenlivet Estate from Aviemore. Saw some beautiful scenery along the way and the tour was very enjoyable.

The only castles we did were Urquhart on Loch Ness, Stirling and Edinburgh. None in your area though.

Without stopping, it's probably 4 hours drive. So you're leaving yourselves maybe 4 hours to sight see; given the need to eat and wee:)

Glenfiddich does a very slick tour- but it is a bit mass market.

I did Glenlivet earlier this year too, and I have to say, I enjoyed it more.

Balvenie doesn't technically do tours, but, as they say on their web site, "The Balvenie Distillery is not generally open for visits, but we will try to assist if at all possible. Can we suggest that if you are planning a trip to this part of Scotland (Dufftown, approx midway between Aberdeen & Inverness), you call us on 01340 820373 a few days beforehand and we will do our best to make a distillery visit possible for you."

The really big deal is that it still has a working malting floor. It is also FAR better whisky than Glenfiddich.

I do think Buongiorno is right, tho'- you only need one tour.

Near Craigellachie, in the middle of all this, is the Speyside Cooperage which is worth a visit.

As to castles, I'd suggest you pick one ruin and one NTS one to look at, and given your route, I would suggest Dunottar, just south of Stonehaven, for the grandeur of its location and its history, as the ruin, and either Craigievar or Crathes as the "done up" one.

Craigievar is small and pretty. Crathes is bigger and has terrific gardens and a great shop.

I'm not a whiskey person, but the TOMATIN single Highland Malt for less than $20. US here in DFW is awfully good!
M

Thanks all for the great advice, any other suggestions for the area, lunch spots in the castle/whisky area. And is Balmoral Castle worth a visit?

As to lunch, try to get over the hill into Donside and have lucnh at Goodbrand Knitwear at Corgarff. Their homemade soup is to die for. It's also a nice shop.

Balmoral? Depends what you're after. If you're into royalty and grand houses, yes. But it's not a "real" castle, having been built in the 19th century by Prince Albert.