Dufftown: Whisky, History and Riverside Scenery

Dufftown can be explored through several specific interests: whisky, historic places, a seasonal rail service, as well as golf and wildlife watching. Dufftown lies on the banks of the River Fiddich. The town also lies on the banks of the Dullan Water. The wooded banks of the Fiddich are also a place to watch wildlife; you can experience whisky through tours and a guided walk. When planning your trip, it is worth first sorting out the activities you actually want to include.

Getting there and rail service

Dufftown railway station is on the A941 towards Elgin and less than a mile from the town centre. The station facilities are wheelchair accessible; operating conditions may vary. Check for current information before travelling if you depend on these facilities.

The Keith and Dufftown Railway maintains an eleven-mile line between Dufftown and Keith. Train services are seasonal. If you want a train journey to be part of your stay, plan around the seasonal dates.

History in specific places

The Christian community at Mortlach Church was founded in 566 AD. Pictish symbol stones dating from around the 8th century are located on the church grounds and in the surrounding outdoor areas. Dufftown’s Clock Tower was completed in 1839. These dates can be distinguished: the church grounds are associated with the early Christian community and the Pictish symbol stones, while the tower dates from much later. Those interested in history can explore different historical connections in Dufftown rather than assigning the sites to a single era.

Experience whisky

Whisky is another specific focus: Dufftown has six active whisky distilleries. The number of active distilleries may change; check the latest information if you plan to visit a particular distillery. The Glenfiddich Visitor Centre offers a behind-the-scenes tour. Booking and operating details may vary, so you should check them before your visit.

The Dufftown Distilleries Walk is a six-kilometre guided walk to former and current distillery sites in Dufftown. Unlike the behind-the-scenes tour at the Glenfiddich Visitor Centre, the walk visits several sites; check the route details before your trip. Dufftown also hosts an annual whisky festival. Dates and programme may change. If the festival is the reason for your trip, take the latest event dates into account when choosing when to travel.

Golf and riverside scenery

Dufftown Golf Club has an 18-hole course. The 10th tee offers a view of the town; the elevation difference to the green is 339 feet. This gives you both the size of the course and a specific feature of this hole to consider when planning.

Wildlife watching is another option along the River Fiddich. Deer live on the wooded banks near Dufftown; otters search for fish there along the riverbanks. Together with its location on the Dullan Water, this offers another perspective on the rivers that shape Dufftown’s landscape.

If you are looking for a hotel in Dufftown, you can plan around the themes that matter for your stay. For fixed dates, the seasonal train services and the dates of the annual whisky festival are especially relevant. The historic places, golf course and riverside scenery offer their own ways to shape your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Portgordon, Dandalieth, Fochabers, Ballindalloch, Aberlour, Portknockie, Findhorn, Knock

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