Moray Coast & Speyside Whisky Day Trip from Inverness

Summary

Sea cliffs, fishing villages, whisky warmth and wild Moray coast

You’ll walk windswept beaches on the Moray Coast, try smoky Cullen skink soup in a tiny village, spot seals or seabirds at Spey Bay, and taste real Speyside whisky at Strathisla Distillery with your guide leading the way. Expect honest moments of quiet beauty—and maybe a laugh or two—before returning to Inverness.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the wind — not harsh, but sharp enough to wake you up as soon as we stepped out by Findhorn Bay. Our guide, Isla, pointed out some fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, her accent somehow making it all sound more poetic. The sand was cold under my shoes and there was this salty smell mixed with something sweet from a bakery nearby. I tried to say “Findhorn” like she did but gave up after two tries — she just grinned and said I was close enough.

We wound along the Moray Coast, stopping at Bow Fiddle Rock. It really does look like a fiddle bow, though I kept squinting to see it — maybe that’s just me. The cliffs are low but dramatic; gulls everywhere, their calls echoing off the stone. In Cullen, everyone seemed to know each other (or pretended to). There’s this little shop with homemade ice cream — I got one even though it was barely 12°C. Cullen skink soup too, which is smoky and comforting in a way I didn’t expect. Our group mostly just wandered the beach in silence for a while; sometimes that’s better than talking.

Later at Spey Bay, we scanned the water for dolphins (no luck) but spotted some seals lazing on rocks. Isla told us about the seabirds nesting here in spring — apparently puffins show up if you’re lucky. We didn’t see any but someone claimed they heard one? Not sure how you’d know honestly. Aberlour was a quick stop for local treats (tablet so sweet my teeth hurt) before heading into whisky country.

I’d never been inside a distillery before Strathisla — everything smells like malt and wood and something floral I couldn’t place. The tasting wasn’t rushed; our host explained every step without sounding rehearsed. I tried to pick out flavors like he described (“honeyed oak”?) but mostly it just tasted warm and strong and good after all that sea air. On the drive back through Carrbridge we stopped at this old stone bridge from 1717 — mossy stones, river running underneath — and honestly it felt like time slowed down for a minute there. Still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Moray Coast and Whisky Tasting

• Visit Findhorn village and beach
• View Bow Fiddle Rock cliffs
• Explore Cullen fishing village
• Spot wildlife at Spey Bay and Aberlour
• Tour Strathisla distillery and taste whisky
• See Old Packhorse Bridge in Carrbridge

Top questions

How long is the Moray Coast & Speyside Whisky day trip?

The tour lasts one full day, departing from Inverness in the morning and returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

No, hotel pickup isn’t included—you’ll meet at a central departure point in Inverness.

Do you visit a whisky distillery on this tour?

Yes, there’s a visit to Strathisla Distillery in Speyside for a guided tasting or time in their shop and bar.

Can children join the Moray Coast & Whisky tour?

No children under 5 years old are allowed on this tour due to safety regulations.

Will we see puffins or dolphins on this day trip?

Puffin sightings aren’t guaranteed; you may spot seals or other wildlife at Spey Bay depending on season and luck.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No set lunch is included; you’ll have free time in villages like Cullen or Aberlour to buy local food or snacks.

How many people are usually on this small-group tour?

The group size varies but is kept small for a more personal experience; sometimes larger buses may be used if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking Scottish guide throughout. You’ll get guided stops at Findhorn Bay, Bow Fiddle Rock, Cullen village (with time for local food), wildlife spotting at Spey Bay or Aberlour depending on season, entry to Strathisla Distillery for a tasting or visit to their shop/bar, plus a pause at Carrbridge’s historic stone bridge before returning to Inverness.