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A BASE FOR ADVENTURE
SPEYSIDE Whisky
Whisky is woven into everyday life in Speyside.
More than fifty distilleries lie within the surrounding countryside, many producing spirit using barley grown on neighbouring farms, including fields at Orton. Some are recognised around the world, while others remain quietly tucked into glens and villages, each with their own story.
Spend a day following the Speyside Whisky Trail, visiting distilleries such as The Macallan, Glenfiddich, Aberlour, Balvenie and Glenlivet. Stop in Craigellachie for lunch or an evening dram, and visit the Speyside Cooperage to see the centuries-old craft of coopering still practised today.
EXPERIENCE THE REGION AND ALL IT HAS TO OFFEr
Beyond Orton Estate, Speyside and Moray offer a remarkable range of experiences. From award winning beaches and ancient Highland castles to some of the world’s most celebrated distilleries, there is much to discover. The Cairngorms National Park, championship links golf, horse riding and a wealth of local restaurants and pubs are all within easy reach, making Orton an ideal base from which to explore the very best of the region.
GOLF
Some of Scotland's most respected golf courses are within easy reach of Orton.
Championship links at Moray Golf Club, Nairn Golf Club, Castle Stuart and Royal Dornoch attract golfers from around the world, while courses at Cullen, Spey Bay, Covesea and Rothes offer a more relaxed round in equally memorable surroundings.
We're always happy to help with local recommendations and tee times during your stay.
UNTOUCHED BEACHES
The Moray coast is home to some of the most beautiful and award winning beaches in Scotland, with miles of unspoilt coastline along the Moray Firth.
From the wide golden sands of Lossiemouth and Findhorn to the dramatic scenery of Cullen and Spey Bay, the area offers spectacular coastal walks, wildlife watching and peaceful seaside escapes.
Many of these beaches are easily reached from Orton Estate, making them perfect for a relaxing day by the sea while exploring the natural beauty of Moray and Speyside.
CAIRNGORM NATIONAL PARK
The Cairngorms National Park lies within easy reach of Orton, offering some of the most dramatic and varied landscapes in the Highlands. Vast open mountains, ancient forests and quiet glens create a setting that invites exploration throughout the year.
Whether walking, cycling or simply taking in the scenery, there is something for every pace. In winter, the Cairngorms offer skiing and snow sports, while in the warmer months the area is ideal for hiking, wildlife spotting and spending time in the outdoors. With such a range of experiences close by, it is a natural extension of your time at Orton.
A TASTE OF SPEYSIDE
A variety of local restaurants and food spots can be found within easy reach of Orton, offering everything from relaxed pub meals to more refined dining across Speyside and Moray. Fresh, local produce is at the heart of much of the region’s food, with menus shaped by the surrounding land and sea.
Nearby highlights include the Craigellachie Hotel, known for its characterful dining and whisky bar, and the Drouthy Cobbler, offering seasonal Scottish cuisine. Traditional dishes such as Cullen skink are widely enjoyed across the region. For something a little different, The Croft Inn at the foot of Ben Rinnes offers Thai food served from a hillside bothy, creating a memorable experience in a truly unexpected setting.
When staying with us, we are always happy to share recommendations and help you discover some of our favourite places, whether you are looking for a relaxed meal, a special occasion or something a little different.
WATERSPORTS
The Moray Firth coastline is within easy reach of Orton and offers a beautiful setting for time by the sea. Wide sandy beaches, clear water and open views create the perfect conditions for both relaxed days and more active pursuits.
Water sports are a popular part of the experience, with opportunities for sailing, surfing and foiling along this stretch of coast. New Wave Surf School offers surf lessons suitable for all levels, while Lossiemouth Watersports provides sailing, paddleboarding and a range of on the water activities. The coastline is also well known for its consistent conditions, making it an ideal place to try newer sports such as wing foiling.
Whether you are looking to learn something new or simply spend time by the sea, the Moray coast offers a memorable extension to your time at Orton. When staying with us, we are happy to help arrange experiences or share recommendations to suit your plans.
ANCIENT HIGHLAND CASTLES
The landscape around Orton is rich in history, with a number of ancient castles within easy reach, each offering a glimpse into the Highlands’ past. Set among rolling countryside, woodland and coastline, these historic places feel closely connected to the land that surrounds them.
Nearby, Ballindalloch Castle, often known as the Pearl of the North, remains family owned and beautifully preserved. Further afield, Brodie Castle, Cawdor Castle and Fyvie Castle each offer their own distinct character, from grand interiors to stories that span centuries.
Whether visiting for an hour or spending a day exploring, these castles provide a quiet and atmospheric way to experience the heritage of the region.
A CHILDS PLAYGROUND
There is plenty for children to enjoy both on and around Orton, with space to explore, play and spend time outdoors. The estate itself offers freedom to roam, from woodland walks and open fields to spotting wildlife along the river.
Within easy reach, there are a range of family friendly activities to enjoy. Landmark Forest Adventure Park offers a full day of outdoor play and adventure, while local go karting provides something a little more fast paced. Speyside Falconry gives the chance to get close to birds of prey, and Strathspey Railway offers a memorable steam train journey through the Highlands. Along the coast, New Wave Surf School provides surfing lessons, offering a fun and active way to experience the Moray Firth.
Whether it is adventure, fresh air or simply time outside together, Speyside offers a relaxed and engaging setting for all ages. When staying with us, we are always happy to share recommendations to help you plan your time as a family.
HORSE RIDING
Horse riding offers a wonderful way to experience the landscape at a slower pace, taking in woodland, open countryside and views across the region. There are fantastic riding schools near Orton offering a range of experiences.
At Cranloch Riding Centre, forest hacks take you through beautiful woodland trails, while Equus Riding Centre offers beach riding along the Moray Firth, a truly memorable way to explore the coastline on horseback.
Whether you are new to riding or more experienced, it is a relaxed and rewarding way to spend time outdoors. When staying with us, we are always happy to share recommendations and help arrange riding experiences to suit your plans.
SAUNA & WILD SWIM
Wood fired saunas along the Moray Firth coastline offer a quiet and restorative way to spend time by the sea. Places such as Fyrhus, Wildwood Sauna and The Sauna Project sit close to the shoreline, where the warmth of the sauna contrasts with the cool air and open coastal views.
Cold water swimming is a natural part of the experience. Clear waters and wide beaches create a sense of space, with time spent moving between sea and sauna offering a simple, grounding connection to the landscape.
Whether it is an early morning dip or a slower moment by the coast, it is a calm and memorable way to experience the Moray Firth.
RELAX, RECHARGE AND RECONNECt WITH NATURE ON ORTON
Orton offers a landscape to explore in its own right. Woodland paths, open fields and the River Spey invite days spent walking, wildlife spotting and foraging, with something new to discover in every season. From quiet moments watching birds and animals to time spent by the water or out in the hills, the estate encourages a slower, more connected way of experiencing the outdoors.
RIVERSIDe & WOODLAND WALKS
While staying with us take the opportunity to explore our peaceful woodlands, riverside paths and the open countryside of Orton Estate. With peaceful routes leading directly from our accommodation, guests can enjoy relaxed countryside walks while discovering the estate’s unique natural beauty.
The estate’s diverse habitats are home to an abundance of wildlife, including roe deer, birds of prey, pine martens and otters as well as a variety of woodland and game birds. Early mornings and evenings offer the best opportunities for wildlife watching, when guests may spot animals quietly moving through the landscape.
Orton Estate also provides access to some of the most beautiful stretches of the River Spey. Orton Water offers anglers a premium opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the Speyside Valley while enjoying one of Scotland’s most traditional outdoor pursuits.
WILDLIFE SPOTTING
Orton offers a rich and ever changing natural environment, with wildlife woven into the fabric of the estate. Time spent outdoors often brings quiet encounters, from ospreys overhead and kingfishers along the river to goshawks moving through the trees.
Pine martens, red squirrels and deer are part of the landscape, while songbirds and butterflies bring colour and movement through the seasons. Whether walking through woodland, along the river or across open fields, there is always something to notice, adding to the sense of connection with the natural world.
FISH FOR ATLANTIC SALMON
Some of Scotland’s finest golf courses are within easy reach of Orton, making it an ideal base for those looking to experience the game in its most traditional setting. From classic links courses along the Moray Firth to well regarded inland courses, the region offers a variety of challenges set against striking coastal and Highland landscapes.
Nearby courses include Moray Golf Club in Lossiemouth, consistently ranked among the best in Scotland, as well as Nairn Golf Club, Royal Dornoch and Castle Stuart, each offering a distinctive and memorable links experience. Through our local connections, we can help arrange tee times and offer recommendations to suit your plans.
Whether you are playing a round by the sea or combining golf with other experiences across Speyside, it is an opportunity to enjoy the sport in a setting that is both relaxed and remarkable.
