Speyside Cottages

Idyllic Retreats Moray Speyside

There is even an Aberdeen City Break, we know it’s not Moray but it’s our closest city and we love it!

EAT, EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE

Moray Speyside offers something for everyone, from sweeping coastline and open countryside to welcoming towns and quiet, restorative spaces in nature. Whether you’re here to explore or simply slow down, it’s all within easy reach.

Dufftown sits at the heart of it all. Known as the Malt Whisky Capital, it’s a natural base for distillery visits, but there’s far more to discover. Walk local trails, hike Ben Rinnes, enjoy fishing and golf, or take in traditional Scottish culture at the annual Highland Games, where pipe bands and dancing bring the town to life.

In Aberdeen, our City Apartment is located in Ferryhill, a sought-after neighbourhood that offers a calm setting within easy reach of the city centre. Walk to Duthie Park and the Winter Gardens, follow the old Deeside Line for cycling and walking, or explore further afield along the Castle Trail. The Maritime Museum, shops, and restaurants are all close by, giving you the best of both city and green space.

Louise Creane-Smith

CAirngorms

Two days in the Cairngorms is never quite enough. Especially if you’re drawn to wide-open landscapes, big skies, and mountains that seem to stretch on endlessly.

This isn’t just about Munro bagging, it’s about taking time. Walking at your own pace, sharing the experience with friends or family, or simply finding a quiet moment to yourself.

You don’t have to travel far to find a trail. From gentle walks to more challenging routes, the Cairngorms offer endless ways to explore. Follow paths to hidden lochs and waterfalls, watch the light shift across the hills, and take in the stillness, where the only sounds are wind, water, and wildlife.

It’s a place to step away from the noise and reconnect with something simpler.

COAST LINE

The Moray coast offers a different pace. Early mornings can bring calm seas, soft light on the horizon, and, if you’re lucky, dolphins moving through the water just offshore.

This is a coastline shaped by contrast, from quiet fishing villages and wide sandy beaches to hidden coves and caves revealed at low tide. Walk the dunes, follow the shoreline, or simply sit and watch the changing light and shifting tides.

It’s a place where land and sea meet in a way that feels both grounding and quietly uplifting. Uncomplicated, open, and always worth exploring.

TOWNS

Speyside’s towns are easy to settle into. The kind of places where you can take your time, wander the streets, and feel at home without trying too hard.

Pause in the square, explore independent shops, or follow the sound of conversation drifting from a local café or pub. There’s a quiet rhythm to daily life here, shaped by tradition but always welcoming.

From historic buildings with stories behind every door to simple pleasures like fresh coffee and warm baking in the morning, these are places to slow down, look around, and enjoy what’s right in front of you.

Trails

Exploring Speyside is as much about the journey as the destination. Well-established trails make it easy to discover the best of the region, without overthinking where to go next.

Follow the Malt Whisky Trail, take scenic routes through castles and historic sites, or explore paths shaped by folklore, film locations, and local stories. Whether your interest is history, landscapes, or simply a well-paced day out, there’s a route to suit.

These trails are built on local knowledge, connecting places that are worth your time and giving you a more complete experience of the area.