things to do
The Village of Aberlour
This picture shows Aberlour with Ben Aigan in the background. It is one of the most dear places for us in all of Scotland. Home of world famous Walker's Shortbread and Aberlour Whisky.
The local Interests and activities listed here can all be done as day trips. Enjoy a day of exploring and at the end of the day go back to your secure and familiar house, where you can rest and plan your next day trip. There is lots to 
see and do - such as, Castles and Mansions, Distilleries and Cooperages, the River Spey (fly fishing for Scottish salmon, and canoe trips), the Speyside Way (hiking or cycle trail stretching from Aviemore to Spey Bay), and of course the village of Aberlour for Shopping, to name a few. This area is considered to be Scotland's Malt Whisky and Castle Country. While you explore in this country you may expect to find yourself on a quiet one-lane road where you may encounter a sheep herd just waiting for you to take a picture. This is also an ideal location for exploring the Malt Whisky, Castle, and Coastal Trails and the Cairngorm Mountains. Fishing, golf, tennis, riding, and swimming activities are all available locally.
Places of Interest in Aberlour
Dowans Hotel - Within walking distance and just across from the house just behind the brown house. If you want to have a drink and not worry about driving back this is a good solution. It has a nice little bar with bar meals and also has a very nice dinning area. We suggest that you call ahead for a reservation. Phone 871488
Mash Tun (Pub) - This is a bar/restaurant with great bar meals and good “real ale”. You can just drop in for a drink or we suggest that you call ahead for dining.
Aberlour Hotel - This is another bar/restaurant with great bar meals and good “real ale”. You can just drop in for a drink or we suggest that you call ahead for dining reservation.
The Archiestown Hotel - Just outside Aberlour, is another good place for food and drinks and is close to the famous Macallan Distillery.
Shopping in Aberlour
There is a small grocery store call the CO-OP where you can buy all the basics including wine and sprits. For a larger range of products you can go the Tescos or ASDA in Elgin, these are large supermarkets.
Try David Brown Butchers - Davy serves only the best organic meats and farm products. Great fresh eggs and other products are from local farms. Tell him Gordon and Linda Reid sent you.
The Spey Larder - Great Scottish products and they have a large variety of Scottish cheese. Fill up your pic nic basket from here for your day trips.
There are several clothing shops in the village. To name a few Country Cousins, JAJ Munro, and CA Gammack.
Local Activities for Aberlour
Fishing - You can get a fishing license in Aberlour at the sports shop JAJ Munro. Talk to Hamish. If you need a Gillie he should be able to recommend someone.
Great Walks around Aberlour
River Spey - You are only a short distance from this famous river.
The Speyside Way - This is a path that replaces the old railway and goes all the way to the north coast.
Walk to the Lynn Falls
Places in Craigellachie
Highlander Inn - Located across the street from the Craigellachie Hotel, great little pub and restaurant, lots of locals and people from all over the world seem to end up in here, be sure to ask for the owner Duncan Elphick. Duncan is a good friend, tell him Gordon and Linda Reid from Denver sent you. Great food in the bar and restaurant alike. We suggest that you call ahead for dining reservation.
Fiddichside Inn - Ask anyone in the village how to get there. It is walking distance from the Highlander. This is probably one of the most unique pubs in the world. It has been filmed by almost all major TV networks around the world. It’s tiny and where the locals and their dogs hangout to chat and have a dram or two. Joe and Dorothy own the pub. The are both in their 80’s and know Gordon since he was born. You will find Joe or Dorothy, maybe even both, behind the bar. Just drop in and tell them we sent you.
Speyside Cooperage - This is where whisky casks are made and you will be able to see them at work.
Other Shopping - Jonhston’s of Elgin - Established in 1797 Johnstons specialize in the manufacture of cashmere and luxury fibres. Offering wide ranges of men’s and women’s knitwear, accessories, home furnishings and fine fabrics to top designers, quality retailers and customers around the world. The site in Elgin, where the company was first founded is, today, one of the few vertical mills still operating in Scotland. Expensive but the best cashmere in the world.
Day Trip Suggestions
Elgin to Lossiemouth - From Elgin you can continue on to Lossiemouth and the ocean and then work your way along the coast and visit some lovely little fishing villages well worth the trip. You might want to arrange a cruise along the coast to view the wales and other wildlife, You will view the coastal villages perched on the ocean’s edge.
Balindalloch Castle - only nine miles from Aberlour on the A-95, don’t miss this one. It is Linda’s favorite castle and she has seen them all. You might want to arrange a canoe trip down the river. Talk to someone at the castle about who you would contact to arrange this. We did this last year and highly recommend it.
Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountains - Continue on to Grantown from Balindalloch and then on to Aviemore. Visit the Aviemore Centre. The scene of many years of Gordon’s misspent youth in the late 60’s.
Cullen Village - absolutely fantastic authentic Scottish village. Stop and have a bite to eat at the Seafield Arms Hotel. They make the best smoked haddock and chips, (awesome). There are a couple of ice cream shops in the village that make excellent ice cream.
Take the Castle Trail - You will find brochures in this binder. Close to Forres is Brodie Castle well worth a visit. If you are in to castles we highly recommend Craigievar and Crathes Castles, both are close to Aberdeen. Then on to Ballater and Balmoral Castle, which is the official residence of the Queen in Scotland.
Take the Whisky Trail - There are brochures in this binder for this as well.
Loch Ness by way of Inverness - then on to the West Coast to Fort William and continue on to Mallaig for incredible scenery and ocean view go north for some of the most magnificent scenery in Scotland.
Island of Skye - Go on from Mallaig to Skye by the ferry, if you have time. If not, that is another day trip. You can take the ferry over and then drive back over the bridge or visa versa. Totally breathtaking views!
This is only a tip of the iceberg. The great thing about Tigh-na-Bruaich’s location is that you are in the center of many great Day Trips. Take a trip and come back to your familiar and comfortable highland cottage to relax and enjoy your evening and plan tomorrow’s day trip. We hope our suggestions help to make a start of you holiday in the Highlands of Scotland.
If you have a Day Trip that you would like to suggest and have added to this page or have a comment, we would love to hear from you, please e-mail send us: linda-reid@mywdo.com
