Page 253 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 25: On the Highlands Whisky Trail 251

since 1887, using water from make a lovely place for a picnic on a
local springs. Visitors can join an fine day. There are also several easy
informative tour of the buildings, walks to follow. In the grounds, visitors
see the shiny copper stills and the can see an old sycamore tree known
warehouses where the whisky is as a “dule tree” (gallows tree) – said to
stored in traditional oak barrels. have been used to hang criminals.
Tours end with a delicious free dram. ª From Leith Hall continue along the
Whisky buffs might prefer to join a B9002, then turn right onto the B992
connoisseurs’ tour (with an entry to Whitehouse. Turn right on the
charge) which includes a tutored A944 to Alford. Park by the museum.
tasting of more whiskies.
ª Continue through Dufftown on 0 Grampian Transport
A941, then bear left on A920 to Huntly, Museum
to pick up the A96, then A97 south. Alford, Aberdeenshire; AB33 8AE
Follow this through fertile farmland, This excellent museum (Apr–Oct:
eventually turning left on the B9002. open daily; www.gtm.org.uk) contains a
After 1.6 km (1 mile), look out for Leith fascinating variety of vehicles, ranging
Hall, with parking, on the left. from a horse-drawn mail coach to the Above Glenfiddich Distillery – the name
electric “car”, the Sinclair C5. There are means “Valley of the Deer” in Gaelic
9 Leith Hall early bicycles and motorbikes, an
Nr Kennethmont, Huntly; AB54 4NQ eccentric steam tricycle built by a
This 17th-century mansion house postman in 1895, gleaming vintage
(grounds open daily) has been home cars and a green Jaguar from the
to the Leiths – a family that long James Bond film Die Another Day, with
supported the Jacobite cause – for a missile launcher in the front grille.
hundreds of years. Although the Visitors even get the chance to sit in
house (reputed to be haunted) is the saddle of a penny farthing bicycle.
now closed to the public, the gardens Great fun for all ages.
ª Leave Alford on A944 west, soon
Below Impressive Leith Hall, home to the Leith bearing left on A980, then at the
family for 350 years Below right Whisky barrels junction with the A93, turn right to
at the Glenfiddich distillery, near Dufftown Banchory. Take B974 off the High SHOPPING IN DUFFTOWN
Bottom right The pretty gardens at Leith Hall, Street to Bridge of Feugh car park. For a genuine whisky education
perfect for a picnic visit The Whisky Shop Dufftown
(1 Fife vtveet, AB55 4AL; 01340 821
097; www.whiskyshopdufftown.com)
for “talk and taste” sessions. The shop
will also help organize whisky tours
and tell prospective buyers everything
they need to know about Uisge Beathe
(The Water of Life).
EAT AND DRINK
DUFFTOWN
Dufftown Glassworks inexpensive
A welcoming place for sweet
treats such as homemade cakes
and scones – plus a choice of
decent coffee and tea infusions.
16 Conval Street, AB55 4AE;
01340 821 534; www.
dufftownglassworks.com
A Taste of Speyside moderate
This is the place to come to try classic
Scottish dishes made from fresh local
ingredients. There is cullen skink (a fish
soup), fillet steaks and fresh salmon.
Desserts include a fruit dumpling
with Glenfiddich liqueur cream.
10 Balvenie Street, AB55 4AN; 01340
820 860; www.atasteofspeyside.com;
closed Mon
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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