Set in the middle of the Spey Valley between Inverness and Aberdeen is the quiet village of Aberlour. ASPC takes a look at five ways to spend a day in the area.

Visit Walkers Shortbread

Aberlour is home to Walkers Shortbread, with the headquarters based in a category A listed Georgian building, next to the factory.

You can visit the shop next to the factory to buy biscuits, some of which are in bigger – and cheaper – boxes than those you get in regular shops.

Have a dram at a local distillery

Speyside whisky is famously good, so it’s no surprise that Aberlour is home to a number of famous whiskies.

From Cardhu, Glen Grant and Macallan, to the Aberlour distillery, there are lots of places to choose from. If you’re a whisky fan, choose your favourite tipple – but if you’re interested in the history, head to Aberlour distillery for the two-hour tour.

Including a brief Scottish history, a guided tour of the facilities and a nosing of spirits, the tour has a limited number of spaces and only runs twice a day, so it is advisable to book in advance.

Visit the Highland games

If you find yourself in Aberlour during the summer you’ll be well placed to visit The Aberlour Strathspey Highland Games.

Held on the first Saturday in August each year in Aberlour, the games showcase phenomenal dancing, stunning costumes and live music, and a whole horde of events for novices and hardened competitors alike.

Go fishing on the Spey

As one of the most productive salmon rivers in Scotland, the Spey is the perfect place to catch yourself some dinner! Salmon season starts usually around the beginning of February.

If you think of yourself as a bit of an expert Angler – you can even compete in the opening day held by the Spey Fishery Board – bag yourself a cask of personalised whisky or some shortbread by grabbing the first salmon of the season or the heaviest of the opening.

Take a walk along the Spey

The Speyside way is an 80 mile walk from Buckie (on the Moray coast) to Aviemore. The Speyside Way Visitor Centre is located in the old Aberlour Railway station, and is a great spot to visit. For the younger visitor – there’s some serious hands on displays (or a slide outside if the weather is kind). A local weather forecast link makes it a good pit stop to make sure the skies are clear before setting off.