Things to do

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Moray, Speyside and the Moray Firth give visitors to Gordon Castle and the Estate endless opportunities for sightseeing and activities to participate in or just a relaxing stroll through the beautiful countryside. In addition to fishing on the River Spay, on the water there is dolphin spotting, sailing and white water rafting on the Findhorn. On land there are many castles, museums and historic sites to visit. In addition to all this there are lots of other activities listed here for guests to enjoy.  The Castle and Cottages all contain full information, contact details and opening hours.

Golf

There are eighteen golf courses within easy reach of the Castle including Spey Bay, just four miles away.

The course was designed by Ben Sayers and is located alongside the Moray Firth approximately half a mile from the mouth of the River Spey.  It is a par 70 links course. The ‘signature’  hole is the 8th (138yds) which is played from a raised tee to a very shallow, raised green. Spey Bay is a haven for wildlife, including osprey (April to September), dolphins, otters and a wide variety of birds.  Nearby there is a well-known Wildlife Centre. Walking is a popular pastime in the area, particularly along the Speyside Way.

Elgin and further afield
There are a number of  other challenging rural courses including Dufftown and Rothes and wonderful links courses such as Moray and Cullen. For a “championship experience” the great courses of Nairn and Castle Stewart (new home of the Scottish Open)  are within easy reach.  Also the new Trump International Links courses are less than an hour away at Menie Estate.

Speyside Malt Whisky

Speyside is home to 49 working malt whisky distilleries which all benefit from the fertile plains close to the Moray coast where the barley is grown and the  burns and tributaries flow into the River Spey.  Many distilleries are not open to the public but a number do have tours and visitor centres.

The nearest to the Castle is Strathisla at Keith, which is one of the oldest working distilleries.  In middle Speyside, Glen Grant, The Macallan,  Aberlour and Glenfiddich are grouped close together along with the Speyside Cooperage at Craigellachie, where they put the oak casks together.

Glen Grant also has a 22 acre woodland garden with an original whisky safe. The Glenlivet is situated in the Cairngorm National Park en- route to picturesque Tomintoul, Scotland’s highest village.  Glen Moray is on the West side of Elgin and Benromach is at Forres off the A96 about 10 miles west of Elgin. Glenfarclas and Cragganmore are on the A95 en route to Grantown on Spey and close to Ballindalloch Castle. Cardhu is six miles beyond The Macallan on the B9102. Glen Grant, The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Glen Moray also have coffee shops serving light refreshments and meals.

Walks

There are lovely short walks around the Gardens and Estate and into the picturesque village of Fochabers.  Further afield  Speyside and The Grampians provide many opportunities for a gentle stroll or a serious hike.  Full details and maps are available in the Castle and Holiday Cottages

Walks around Fochabers
There are five recommended walks, starting from the Square  and Forestry Car Park just outside the village
The Intake and River Spey – 2.5 miles
Slorach’s Wood  – 2.5 miles
The Belt Path to the Winding Walks –  2.5 miles
Ordiquish and Jean Carr’s Stone  – 6 miles
Winding Walks – Forestry - 2.5 miles +
Speyside Way This route runs from Spey Bay up to Aviemore in the Cairngorms and can be accessed from the Estate.  Some of it is on an old railway track and you can join it at numerous points throughout the route.

Coastal Walks
Lossiemouth has two long sandy beaches – East one is more dramatic and other good beaches to walk on are Cullen, Hopeman and Roseisle.  You can also explore the Moray Firth Trail which stretches for over fifty miles

Walking in the Cairngorms

The Cairngorm National Park provides many opportunities for a spectacular walk. Some of the old Whisky Smugglers’ trails have been reopened around The Glenlivet Distillery.  The flora and fauna in the National Park includes Red Squirrel, Osprey, Black Grouse, Mountain Hare, Deer and many rare plants and flowers. You can also take the Funicular Railway near Aviemore for fabulous views across the mountain range.  Information is available on mountain walks but closer to home our nearest “Corbett” Benrinnes at 2843ft gives you spectacular views from the top.  There is a good path though very steep in places.  The access point, with a car park, is about five miles south of the village of Dufftown, about 40 minutes away.  It takes about 4 hours to the summit and back.

Cycling

Gordon Castle Estate has mountain bikes and helmets for guests to use and there are lots of possibilities both near and further away.Around Fochabers at Ordiequish and Whiteeash  you can enjoy some of the Moray Monster Trails including:
Fochabers Ring
Fochabers Freeride
The Soup Dragon
The Haggis
Gordzilla
The Gully Monster

You can also cycle down to the mouth of the river at Spey Bay and also take the Moray Coastal Cycle route which stretches from Burghead in the West to Cullen in the East.

Kayaking and White Water Rafting
Thrills and spills galore are enjoyed on the River Findhorn, south of Forres, can be enjoyed most of the year by all ages. There is also cliff climbing
Riding and Pony Treking?There is excellent Pony Treking, riding out and tuition close by.

Retail Therapy in Moray and Speyside

There are numerous opportunities for some serious retail therapy whilst staying at the Castle and Cottages!   The village of Fochabers has some interesting craft and antique shops and here are a few more suggestions.

Baxters Highland Village
This world famous  complex is just across the road bridge from the Castle
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Johnstons Cashmere Elgin
In addition to the world famous retail shop, there is also a heritage centre, mill tours and a coffee shop.  Sale bins are to be found in both the mens and ladies fashions all year.
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Walkers Shortbread
The factory is based in Aberlour (which is not open to the public) but there is a factory shop which sells a wide range of products.
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Brodie Country Fair
This complex, just beyond Forres on the A96, has many traditional Scottish gifts as well as  lots of fashion and interior accessories.
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Logie Steading
This beautifully restored steading is home to some beautiful shops, a bookshop,  art gallery and café serving home made food near Forres.
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Gordon & MacPhail
As well as a huge range of single malt whiskies, this traditional store on South Street in Elgin has a delicatessen section and many bottled and packaged Scottish products.
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Speyside Larder
If you are visiting the village of Aberlour, this delicatessen is situated in a beautifully old restored bank building.

Kilt Shop
The nearest kilt shop is McCall’s in Elgin on South Street on the opposite corner to Gordon & MacPhail.  There are  also a number of kilt makers who work from home.
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