Aberlour
Lying just 13 miles from Elgin between Aberdeen and Inverness, Aberlour is ideally situated at the heart of the Speyside region of Moray. A highland village famed for its whisky, Aberlour is fondly known as the 'jewel of Speyside'. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is an ideal destination for long or short walks as well as salmon fishing.
Aberlour is officially known as Charlestown of Aberlour after Charles Grant of Wester Elchies who founded Aberlour and gave it his name. It never caught and Aberlour continues to be known after its location at the mouth of the turbulent Lour Burn. Previously, Aberlour was also known as Skirdustan after St. Drostan who visited Aberlour in the 7th century. He converted Aberlour to Christianity baptizing converts in a spring. The very spot where St Drostan's well stood was marked for centuries by a weather-beaten stone. The site is now the property of Aberlour Distillery and the historic stone is preserved within it.
Behind Aberlour Distillery lies a small hill, Fairy Knowe where you'll be able to see ancient Pictish remains in the form of standing stones. Alternatively, from Aberlour Distillery you can take a 20 minute walk to the Linn Falls which lie within an ancient woodland of Alder, Oak and Rowan Trees. Continuing on past the falls will bring you back to Aberlour on a circular route taking in superb views of the Spey Valley along the way. For more information head to the Speyside Way Visitor Centre housed in the Old Station of Aberlour.
The oldest structure to be found in Aberlour itself is an ancient pack horse bridge lying close to Aberlour Cemetery. A more elegant structure is the Victorian suspension foot bridge over the river Spey. Known as the "Penny Brig" or the Victoria Bridge, it offers fantastic views of Speyside valley. Another example of Victorian architecture to be found in Aberlour is the Dowans Hotel. The building once served as part of the Aberlour Orphanage. Founded in 1875, Aberlour Orphanage housed over 1000 children at its peak and although it closed in 1967 the Aberlour Trust continues to care for needy children. And last but not least of the historic icons to be found in Aberlour is Walker's Shortbread. Produced in Aberlour since as far back as 1898, this mouth-watering treat can be sampled at the original high street shop in Aberlour.
In addition to its own charm, Aberlour also makes an excellent base for exploring the natural attractions found in the Speyside region. The clean, clear waters of the River Spey run through Aberlour and provide visitors with great fishing, kayaking and rafting. Walkers are also well placed for the Speyside Way. One of Scotland's four official long walks it passes along the old railway track of Aberlour. The route is 84 miles long and links the Cairngorm Mountains to the Moray Firth Coast. Golfers will find challenging courses in the surrounds of Aberlour such as the 18 hole course at Dufftown and the championship Elgin Golf Club.
Location of Aberlour
