A seven-day whisky itinerary from Tullochwood Lodges can combine Benromach near Forres, Glen Moray in Elgin, Glenfiddich and the Speyside Cooperage with time for Findhorn, the Moray coast and local woodland. There’s time for favourite drams, lovely lunches and a change of scenery, with a peaceful lodge to come back to each evening.
A welcome from Tullochwood: Simon or Michelle will welcome you when you arrive, and you’ll find our numbered recommendations and a matching laminated local map in your lodge. We’ve planned these days around one area at a time, leaving room to enjoy the places that take your fancy.
Exploring Speyside and Moray from Tullochwood Lodges
Moray and Speyside are home to some of the world’s most famous whisky distilleries, dramatic coastline, ancient forests and welcoming Highland towns. For visitors planning a journey along the Malt Whisky Trail, the region offers an exceptional combination of distillery experiences and beautiful scenery.
Many of the best distilleries in Speyside lie within around 30 miles of Tullochwood, while forests, beaches and coastal villages can often be reached in 15–30 minutes.
The area also forms an excellent base for exploring further into the Scottish Highlands, with the Cairngorms and the Great Glen easily reached for day trips.
Tullochwood Lodges near Forres sits quietly among woodland and provides an ideal base for exploring the whisky region while still enjoying peaceful surroundings. Hidden among trees with its own small lochan and woodland walks, the lodges offer a relaxing place to return to after days spent visiting distilleries, coastal villages and scenic viewpoints.
If you’re looking for a quiet woodland base near Forres, you can check live availability for Tullochwood Lodges in Moray here
Visitors looking for inspiration and other things to do in Moray can explore the wider local area here:
Day 1 – Exploring Forres Before Arriving at Tullochwood
If you arrive in Moray earlier in the day, it is well worth spending some time exploring Forres before checking into Tullochwood Lodges.
Begin with Grant Park, widely regarded as one of the most attractive parks in northern Scotland. With colourful flowerbeds, mature trees and wide lawns, it provides a peaceful introduction to the area.
From there head up Cluny Hill to visit Nelson’s Tower, which stands high above the town and offers sweeping views across Moray and the surrounding countryside.
Later in the afternoon make your way to Tullochwood Lodges. Check-in is from 4pm, although earlier arrivals can sometimes be arranged.
After arriving, Simon or Michelle will welcome you to your lodge and talk through some of the many lovely places worth visiting during your stay.
Each lodge contains a welcome letter prepared by Simon and Michelle, which lists recommended places to visit, restaurants, beaches and scenic walks. These suggestions are numbered and correspond with a laminated map in each lodge, making it easy to plan days out across Moray and Speyside.
For your first evening you might choose to pick up a takeaway from Forres, visit one of the restaurants mentioned in the guide, or cook in your lodge’s fully equipped kitchen.
If the weather is kind, some guests enjoy using the barbecue area beside the lochan, while the two-bedroom lodges also have portable barbecues available.
A gentle evening walk around the lochan is a peaceful way to begin your stay.
If you’re looking for more ideas beyond whisky, explore our full guide to things to do in Moray.
Day 2 – Benromach Distillery & the Findhorn Valley
Begin your whisky exploration with a visit to Benromach Distillery, located just outside Forres.
Benromach produces traditional Speyside whisky using time-honoured methods and offers engaging tours explaining the distillation process from barley to cask. After your visit, take a scenic drive into the Findhorn Valley, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Moray.
Lunch stop
Logie Steading is a cluster of restored farm buildings beside the River Findhorn housing craft shops, galleries and a well-reviewed café. After lunch take the woodland path to Randolph’s Leap, where the River Findhorn rushes dramatically through a narrow rocky gorge. The surrounding woodland walks are spectacular and provide a wonderful introduction to Moray’s natural scenery.
Day 3 – Elgin, Glen Moray, Johnstons of Elgin & the Speyside Cooperage
Today explore Elgin, the historic cathedral city of Moray. Begin with Elgin Cathedral, sometimes called the Lantern of the North.
After exploring the cathedral ruins, visit Glen Moray Distillery, located on the banks of the River Lossie.
Lunch stop
Johnstons of Elgin – The Weavers Restaurant
Johnstons of Elgin is one of Scotland’s most famous textile mills and its café is a very pleasant place for lunch.
Later visit the nearby Speyside Cooperage.
Here visitors can watch coopers repairing whisky casks — a fascinating craft that plays a crucial role in whisky production. It is one of the few places where this traditional skill can still be seen in action.
Day 4 – Glenfiddich, Dufftown & The Macallan Estate
Today head deeper into the heart of Speyside whisky country. Drive to the town of Dufftown, often called the capital of Speyside whisky.
Visit Glenfiddich Distillery, one of the best-known distilleries in the world.
Lunch stop
This well-reviewed restaurant offers excellent food and a wide whisky selection.
After lunch continue to The Macallan Estate, whose striking modern distillery building sits beautifully within the Speyside hills.
On your return journey you may wish to stop at Lossiemouth Beach. Lossiemouth has two magnificent sandy beaches and a picturesque harbour.
The nearby RAF Lossiemouth base is one of the UK’s main fast-jet air stations, and visitors are sometimes treated to the dramatic sight of Typhoon aircraft flying along the Moray coastline.
Day 5 – Findhorn Village & the Moray Coast
After a day visiting distilleries, today offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the Moray coastline.
The harbour village of Findhorn is one of the most picturesque places in the region. With colourful boats in the harbour, wide sandy beaches and views across the Moray Firth, it is a lovely place to explore.
Lunch stop
The Crown & Anchor – Findhorn or The Kimberley Inn – Findhorn
Both are long-established harbour pubs with excellent reviews.
After lunch take a walk along Findhorn Beach, where seals are often seen in the bay and the Moray Firth is famous for its population of bottlenose dolphins.
If you wish to explore further along the coast, drive east to Bow Fiddle Rock near Portknockie, one of the most photographed coastal landmarks in Moray.
Day 6 – Culbin Forest, Roseisle Beach & Califer Hill
Begin the day with a walk through Culbin Forest, one of the largest coastal forests in Scotland.
The forest contains miles of walking and cycling trails winding through tall pine woodland. Partway through the forest you’ll find a viewing tower, which can be reached by a short walk and offers sweeping views across the Moray Firth, the Culbin sand dunes and the surrounding countryside.
Nearby Roseisle Beach is another wonderful place to visit. With wide sands backed by forest, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Moray.
Lunch stop
Return to Findhorn Harbour for lunch at either the Crown & Anchor or Kimberley Inn.
Before returning to Tullochwood, drive up to Califer Hill Viewpoint, which offers one of the finest panoramic views across Forres, the Moray countryside and the distant hills.
Day 7 – Departure Morning
Before departing Tullochwood Lodges you may have time for one final walk around the lochan or along the woodland paths.
The peaceful surroundings make a relaxing end to a week exploring Moray and Speyside.
Departure from the lodges is by 10am, allowing time for the accommodation to be prepared for arriving guests later in the day.
Many visitors stop in Forres for breakfast or coffee before beginning their journey home.
Other Experiences to Consider During Your Stay
Depending on how you plan your days, you might also enjoy:
- Dolphin watching trips on the Moray Firth
- Walking in the Cairngorms National Park
- Visiting the fishing villages along the Moray coast
- Exploring Brodie Castle and its gardens
- Scenic drives through the Speyside countryside
All of these are easily reachable from Tullochwood Lodges and help make the area a memorable place to stay.
Choosing where to stay for the route? See why Tullochwood works as a Speyside Whisky Trail accommodation base near Forres.
You can check live availability for Tullochwood Lodges in Moray here
Make Tullochwood your woodland baseCheck current lodge availability for the dates that suit your seven-day Moray and Speyside itinerary.Check availability
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Speyside Whisky Trail
How many days do you need for the Speyside Whisky Trail?
Three to five days gives you time for several distillery visits. Stay for a week and you can enjoy the Moray coast, forests and historic towns too, with room for a leisurely lunch or a walk along the beach.
What is the best base for visiting Speyside distilleries?
Forres and Elgin are excellent bases for exploring the Speyside Whisky Trail because they are located close to many of the region’s most famous distilleries. Staying near Forres places visitors within easy reach of distilleries such as Benromach, Glen Moray, Glenfiddich and The Macallan, while also providing quick access to the Moray coast, forests and scenic countryside. Tullochwood Lodges near Forres offers a peaceful woodland setting while still being within around 30 miles of many Speyside distilleries.
How far is Tullochwood Lodges from the Speyside Whisky Trail?
Tullochwood Lodges is located just outside the town of Forres in Moray, placing it very close to the western edge of the Speyside whisky region. Benromach Distillery is only about 10 minutes away, while many famous Speyside distilleries such as Glen Moray, Glenfiddich and The Macallan can be reached within around 30 to 45 minutes by car. This central location makes Tullochwood Lodges a convenient and relaxing base for exploring the Speyside Whisky Trail.
Which Speyside distilleries are closest to Forres?
Several well-known distilleries are within easy driving distance of Forres. Benromach Distillery is located in Forres itself, while Glen Moray Distillery in Elgin is around 20 minutes away. Other famous Speyside distilleries such as Glenfiddich in Dufftown and The Macallan near Craigellachie can usually be reached within 40 to 45 minutes. This makes Forres one of the most convenient places to stay when planning a Speyside whisky itinerary.
Can you visit Speyside distilleries without a car?
Yes. An organised whisky tour, private driver-guide or local taxi can help you put together a day of visits while everyone enjoys the tastings. Some distilleries near Forres and Elgin are easier to reach independently; for a day further into Speyside, arranging transport ahead gives you more choice.
How many distilleries are on the Speyside Whisky Trail?
The Speyside region is home to more than 50 working distilleries, making it the largest concentration of malt whisky distilleries in Scotland. The official Malt Whisky Trail comprises nine sites: Benromach, Cardhu, Dallas Dhu, Glenfiddich, Glen Grant, The Glenlivet, Glen Moray, Speyside Cooperage and Strathisla. The Macallan is not one of the nine official Trail sites, but it remains a significant additional Speyside visit in this itinerary. Many of these distilleries can be reached within about 30 to 45 minutes of Tullochwood Lodges near Forres, making it an excellent base for exploring the trail.
Please note: The linked venues have their latest opening times, tours, menus and booking details. Benromach photograph by Dan Prince, supplied by Benromach in October 2026.
