Whisky distillery tour of Scotland without car?

[ArcticHeron]

Bit of a long shot I know, but has anyone done something similar before?

Me and a pal are looking to plan something early next year but neither of us can drive. I've seen a few package deals online that include a mini bus type of thing but they're hellishly expensive if there's less then 5 people signed on to do it.

Would ideally like to do as many distilleries in a week as possible.

 

[ArcticHeron]

Is it too obvious to suggest inviting another friend who does drive and doesn't like whisky to come with you if you pay the fuel costs?

I've asked but sadly no one feels up to driving two drunken fools about xD

 

[ArcticHeron]

Brutal. That’s gonna cost you a fortune!

Why not walk it, incorporate some type of west highland way type vibe.

Would genuinely love to, but can't get that sort of time off work at such short notice and it's something I'd like to devote a few weeks to at the very least.

Think I've found a company that seems a little less expensive. 350 for 2 without accommodation. Like a group tour of the Speyside places over 3 days.

 

[ArcticHeron]

The Holyrood tour is a great shout actually. I forgot about that one...

 

[ArcticHeron]

Just too update anyone who may have been interested, we've booked in feb with this tour group:

3 day Speyside tour

Tbh, Speyside wasn't my first pick and a few of the distilleries on there aren't ones I'd make time for if we where driving, but the rates really where excellent for the tour (£350 for 2 people not including accommodation) and we don't really have the time to do a full highlands tour.

Distilleries on the tour:

Royal Lochnagar distillery
Glen Moray
Speyside Cooperage
Cardhu Distillery
Dalwhinnie





We're debating as to whether or not to make a day long trip to Islay to visit the Bruichladdich distillery. We're both enormous fans and if I was to pick anywhere it'd be there, but it's a 40 hour round trip via public transport so we may just plan a separate trip on the island all together.

 

[ArcticHeron]

For sure. Going to keep a written diary of our journey so will transcribe it onto here once done

Made a list of Whisky bars we're going to visit in Edinburgh as well. Would be interested to see what you guys think and if I've missed anywhere interesting off:

Johnnie Walker 1820 Rooftop Bar Booking
Usquabae
Whiski-Rooms
The Bow Bar
The Devils Advocate

Only one I've booked us into is the Johnnie Walker Bar as we both have soft stop for JW Black and the place looks stunning.

 

[ArcticHeron]

tbh I hated the Johhny Walker roof top bar - although it does have an amazing view from the terrace.
The rest of it's a bit try hard for me and ends up feeling like an airport lounge, it's not dark and dusty enough!
The whisky bar in the whisky experience has a huge collection! There's also the SMWS places but you have to be or go with a member

Aha yeah, funnily enough my dad said similar about the rooftop bar. I think we'll still end up going even if it's just for a Dram, just to say we've been (and that shop looks rather impressive).

Is the Whisky bar you mentioned the one at Castlehill?

 

[ArcticHeron]

You mentioned a 40 hour public transport trip to Islay. Did you know you can fly there from Glasgow in an hour?
It’s pretty pricey but may be worth it.
Glasgow airport is an hour from central Edinburgh.

Thank for checking that mate, but I despise flying so it's sadly not an option