1-Day Highlands Whisky Tour

Itinerary

Leave behind the cobbled closes and historic spires of Edinburgh and head north into the soul of Scotland—a land of sweeping glens, ancient battles, and the golden spirit that binds it all together: whisky. This immersive Highland day trip combines breathtaking landscapes, storied distilleries, and the timeless magic of the Highlands.

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Early Morning Departure: Edinburgh to the Highlands

Departing from Edinburgh, we cross the Forth Bridges, with views of the iconic cantilever railway bridge, a Victorian marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the Lowlands give way to rolling hills, the road north winds into Perthshire, a land rich in forest, loch, and legend.

The ascent into the Highlands brings you through the Pass of Drumochter, one of the highest mountain passes in the UK, where centuries ago, clans moved cattle and kings marched armies. The air sharpens, the peaks rise, and the landscape opens to reveal the wild beauty of the Cairngorms.

Morning: Dalwhinnie Distillery – The Highland Classic

Our first stop is Dalwhinnie Distillery, Scotland’s highest working distillery, nestled at 1,164 feet above sea level in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Here, surrounded by rugged heather and snow-dusted peaks, Dalwhinnie produces one of the smoothest and most approachable Highland single malts.

Established in 1897, Dalwhinnie captures the essence of its environment—light floral notes, gentle smoke, and honeyed warmth. Its remote location once made it a stop on the old Highland drovers’ route, and even today, it feels like a place suspended in time.

Step inside for a tasting in the warmth of the still house, and savour the flavour of whisky matured in mountain air. Outside, breathe in the cold, clean Highland air and take in views that stretch across one of the most untouched corners of Scotland.

Midday: Blair Athol Distillery – The Smooth Heart of Bell’s

A scenic drive south brings you to the charming town of Pitlochry, where Blair Athol Distillery nestles at the foot of Ben Vrackie. Founded in 1798, Blair Athol is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries and exudes rustic charm—ivy-clad stone buildings, a working waterwheel, and the comforting aroma of whisky-soaked oak.

The distillery is best known for its 12-Year-Old Single Malt, rich with sherry character, dried fruit, and nutty warmth. This distinctive flavour forms the heart of Bell’s Blended Scotch, one of the UK’s most popular whiskies.

Here, you’ll uncover the quiet craft behind the blend, and learn how Blair Athol’s spirit has stood the test of time—from its Jacobite past to its place in millions of toasts today.

Afternoon: Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery – The Golden Dram

The final leg of your Highland whisky trail leads to the rolling hills and golden glens around Aberfeldy, where Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery stands proudly on the banks of the Pitilie Burn. Founded in 1898 by the innovative Dewar family, the distillery is steeped in history and surrounded by some of the most picturesque scenery in Perthshire.

Aberfeldy’s single malt is mellow, honeyed, and clean, drawn from the same burn that once yielded flakes of alluvial gold. It’s this heritage that gives rise to its moniker: The Golden Dram.

Explore the heritage exhibition and see how John Dewar’s blending legacy helped carry the spirit of Scotland across the world. Then relax with a dram in the distillery café or bar, perhaps alongside a locally inspired snack or sweet.

Return Journey: Along the Tay & Home to Edinburgh

As the sun begins to sink, the return journey traces a route along the River Tay, Scotland’s longest and most storied river. Pass through Dunkeld, with its riverside cathedral ruins and ancient oak woods, and wind back toward the Lowlands, where the shadows lengthen across lochs and glens.

By the time the skyline of Edinburgh comes back into view, you’ll have travelled not just through Scotland—but through its spirit, its stories, and its soul.

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