Moray Coast, Wildlife and Whisky Small Group Tour
Discover magical coastal scenery, charming fishing villages and experience a visit to the whisky trail
Moray Coast, Wildlife and Whisky Small Group Tour - 1 day tour
About this Tour
Moray Coast, Wildlife and Whisky
One Day Tour
Take the road less travelled to experience the beauty of the Moray Coast. Explore the historic village of Findhorn, then stop to see the spectacular Bow Fiddle Rock, said to resemble the tip of a bow. Take a break in Cullen, home to the hearty fish soup called Cullen Skink. After lunch, stop to view the fascinating birdlife at Troup Head, then hit the Whisky Trail to visit a local distillery and enjoy a wee nip. The tour ends with a visit to delightful Carrbridge before returning to Inverness.
Findhorn - take a relaxing stroll on the sweeping sandy beach
Cullen - discover the home of the culinary delight known as Cullen Skink
Wildlife - encounter gannets, guillemots and, if you are lucky, cheeky puffins at a local nature reserve
Whisky Distillery - join the famous whisky trail to visit a distillery and enjoy a tutored tasting
Cairngorms National Park - experience ancient forests, towering mountains, tranquil lochs and delightful villages
Carrbridge – learn the story behind the Old Packhorse Bridge, the oldest stone crossing in the highlands
Movie locations - Local Hero, Bodkin Ras and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
Full Tour Itinerary
From Inverness, we head eastwards to reach the Victorian seaside resort of Nairn and the colourful town of Forres. The first stop of the day is the historic fishing village of Findhorn. During our stop, why not take a stroll on the white sands of the magnificent beach?
The journey continues along the rugged Moray coast to reach Portknockie. Established in 1677, it was once a major fishing port. Offshore sits Bow Fiddle Rock, formed by thousands of years of pounding by the waves. Snap this landmark for a perfect addition to your social media feeds.
A short drive brings us to the picturesque town of Cullen. Our stop here is the perfect location to sample a delicious plate of Cullen Skink, a smoked haddock and potato soup that has nourished the fishermen of this village for generations.
Our next visit is to Troup Head Nature Reserve*, where the cliffs provide a home to a wide variety of seabirds, including, if you are lucky, puffins (until mid-August). Offshore, you might even spot porpoises, minke whales and dolphins.
Next, we join the Malt Whisky Trail, where we will visit one of its seven working distilleries, where you can take a tour to discover the history and traditions of whisky making and enjoy a tutored tasting of a dram of malt whisky.
The last part of the tour continues through the Cairngorms National Park to visit Carrbridge, where the Old Packhorse Bridge has spanned the River Dulnain since 1771. A short drive will return us to the Highland Capital for 19:30 hrs.
* For the remainder of the 2024 season, to increase the likelihood of wildlife sightings, we will visit Spey Bay and Aberlour instead of RSPB Troup Head Nature Reserve. Spey Bay offers stunning coastal views and the opportunity to spot wildlife, while Aberlour is a picturesque town in Speyside, renowned for its local delicacies and scenic walks.
Details
What's Included
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
What's NOT Included
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure Information
15 Union Street
Inverness, IV1 1PP
Check-in: 07:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 19:30 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 5 to 16 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 5 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Book Assured
Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 48 hours notice before travel. Click here for more information.
Small Group Tour
Enjoy a more personal travelling experience with a maximum of just 16 passengers.
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
HET 03010
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From £75.00
Moray Coast, Wildlife and Whisky Small Group Tour
Discover magical coastal scenery, charming fishing villages and experience a visit to the whisky trail
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Small Group Tour?
With a maximum of just 16 passengers, a Small Group Tour provides a more personal and flexible travelling experience. You’ll enjoy more time off the bus, with freedom to explore free from the crowds.
While you will see all the highlights, these tours are carefully planned to travel off the highways, so you’ll discover quaint villages and picturesque vistas that other tours cannot reach.
Small group tours are operated by purpose-built mini-coaches with air-conditioning, panoramic windows and comfortable seating.
Each group is led by an experienced driver/guide who will entertain and inform you with stories of our history, nature and folklore.
Many travellers prefer small group touring as it’s considered more authentic and there is a better chance to connect with locals as well as their fellow explorers.
Tell me what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?
A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process.
Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.
Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.
Will there be stops for meals and are they included in the price of the tour?
Meals are not included in the tour price, but we will make stops where you can get refreshments and something to eat. If you wish, you can bring a packed lunch or pick up lunch items at a previous stop. Vegetarian food is widely available.
Will there be a tour commentary?
Each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide an informative and entertaining commentary in English.
You’ll hear tales of the Clans, bloody battles and the famous characters that have shaped the history of Scotland. You will learn too of the landscape that surrounds you and of the nature that makes Scotland so special.
Be ready to have a laugh as well - you’re bound to be told some really corny jokes!
Can I book seats on the coach?
The seating on the coach is not allocated so you are free to sit in any vacant seat.
We recommend that you and your party arrive at the boarding point together so that you can be seated in the same part of the coach.
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (5 /5) 15 Aug 2025
The guide is a lovely young woman full of facts The scenery was amazing. Loved it all
Mark from Croton-on-Hudson, US
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Rating: (5 /5) 11 Jul 2023
No puffins, but I guess it was force majeure, the rest was great.
Eva from Prague, CZ
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