Follow our Highland whisky trail

Embark on an adventure with this Highland whisky trail, starting in Inverness and then heading north to Thurso. The route covers 145 miles, mainly along the A9 on the northeast coastline, and includes 6 of our favourite Scotch whisky distilleries. Our friendly hotel and holiday accommodation are located near the trail’s end, so you can continue your journey with a whisky tasting in our cosy Highland bar.

Highland whisky trail: Inverness to Thurso

1. Glen Ord Distillery

So let’s begin in Inverness, and travel east to Glen Ord Distillery, home of The Singleton brand. On this tour, you’ll learn about the slow craft of whisky making, and sample three unique expressions. There is also an impressive new visitor centre here, where you can tour the distillery and sample local Scottish fayre at the bar and deli. Book a tour.

2. Dalmore Distillery

Heading north, you will pass Dalmore Distillery. Unfortunately, the distillery is closed to visitors until 2026 as it is undergoing refurbishment work. However, plans for the new visitor experience look exciting, so keep an eye on updates. This should certainly be worth a visit when completed.

3. Glenmorangie Distillery

Then, continuing on to Glenmorangie. This is one of the most famous single malt whiskies in Scotland. The Highland distillery uses the tallest stills in the country, which help to produce the delicate flavours it is known for. The distillery offers a choice of whisky tours. The Original tour tells the story of their signature whisky of the same name. The Innovation Tour looks into Glenmorangie’s more experimental flavours. They also offer bespoke tours for private groups. Book a tour.

4. Balblair Distillery

Nestled deep in Ross-shire, Balblair Distillery slowly crafts and matures its whiskies in traditional dunnage warehouses on earthen floors. Balblair runs three distillery tours, which give an insight into whisky-making at the distillery and include a tasting. Choose from the Discovery Tour, the Essence Tour and the Definitive Tour. Book a tour.

5. Pulteney Distillery

Travelling over the Dornoch Firth Bridge and heading north, taking in the magnificent northeast coastline, you’ll eventually come to Pulteney Distillery on our Highland whisky trail. This is our local distillery in Wick, makers of the OId Pulteney brand. Here, you can take an introductory tour or a more in-depth one to learn more about “the Maritime Malt”. Book a tour.

6. 8 Doors Distillery

8 Doors Distillery is one of Caithness’s newest distilleries, taking inspiration from the legend of Jan de Groot – the man who John O’Groats was named after. In September 2022 the first cask was filled and whilst that’s maturing, you can enjoy a taste of their small batch and single cask bottlings in the Sevon Sons range, or their delicious Five Ways Liqueur! Book a tour

7. Wolfburn Distillery

Cut across in a northwesterly direction, or go along the coastline past the famous John O’ Groats and Dunnet Head, to reach Wolfburn Distillery. Operating as the most northerly distillery on mainland Britain. Wolfburn’s range creates a palatable adventure, unveiling the mysteries of the Nordic Highlands. The distillery runs three tours per day, on weekdays only. Book a tour.

8. North Point Distillery

Having a keen focus on sustainability practices, North Point Distillery produces produces gin, rum and now Dalclagie Highland Scotch whisky from Forss on Caithness’s north coast, on the site of an old US Navy Radio Listening Site. They are expecting to release their first bottling in 2028. Book a tour

After a few days of exploring our Highland whisky trail, enjoy a stay at Mackays Hotel in Wick and continue the whisky journey. Visit our bar, where we stock over 500 different whiskies! Of course, our staff are happy to chat and recommend something for you. We also offer more in-depth whisky tasting experiences for groups of four.