Secrets of Spynie
The ‘Secrets of’ Spynie tours run from April to June and are guided tours to and from Spynie Palace via the Spynie Canal, with the guides providing in-depth information which allows participants to discover its secret history and stories.
The tour starts with an overview of the Laich of Moray then make a journey by foot and by voyageur canoe (takes 8 people) to Spynie Palace.
This 4 1/2 hour journey captures 1500 years of the history of the Laich of Moray where much of the barley used in Speyside Malt Whisky is grown on the fertile area of lower Moray.
The walk route is straight forward starting at the Spynie Canal (Gilston), walking over farmland and through open woodland to the site of the old ferry point then on to Spynie Palace (3.5km). You will hear an intoxicating blend of history, including the real story of MacBeth (not Shakespeare’s inaccurate version); a remarkable environmental story of how the landscape and environment of this part of Scotland has changed.
The unique canoe journey follows the Spynie Canal down to the old railway bridge (2.3km) from where there is ½ km walk to the Palace. You will discover the story of the canal and the history of the voyageur canoe, and enjoy a gentle paddle in a sheltered environment.
The focal point of the journey is at Spynie Palace, where a ‘wee secret’ awaits with both groups meeting up at the medieval port of Elgin for a guided tour, before swapping over for the return journey.
Secrets of Spynie events will be published on our website with further information, including dates and times available on each individual event.
Activity difficulty grading: easy to moderate