$500-1,000/night
Craigellachie House is a Georgian country house turned fishing lodge perched above the River Spey in the Speyside region of the Scottish Highlands, offering guests a deeply traditional Atlantic salmon fishing experience steeped in centuries of angling heritage. The Spey is the second-longest river in Scotland and the birthplace of Spey casting, the elegant two-handed rod technique that was developed on its banks in the nineteenth century and has since spread to steelhead and salmon rivers worldwide. Fishing from Craigellachie House connects the modern angler to this unbroken lineage of rivercraft and tradition.
The lodge holds exclusive rights to several productive beats on the middle Spey, waters that receive strong runs of Atlantic salmon from spring through autumn. Ghillies — the Scottish term for river guides — have tended these beats for generations, and their knowledge of each pool, lie, and taking spot is encyclopedic. Fishing is conducted by Spey casting from the bank, wading where appropriate, and the lodge maintains a full complement of two-handed rods, reels, and lines for guests who arrive without their own Spey tackle.
The house itself retains the character of a Highland sporting estate, with wood-paneled rooms, open fires, and a whisky cabinet stocked with single malts from the surrounding Speyside distilleries. A full Scottish breakfast fuels morning fishing, and the evening meal features Scottish game, fresh Atlantic seafood, and produce from the house's kitchen garden. Distillery tours on non-fishing days provide an immersive introduction to Speyside's other great obsession.
“We were doing The Macallum distillery and the Craigallachie was an ideal base 10 minutes drive away. Our room was comfortable and we had been given a free upgrade. The room had been changed and updated very recently. It was warm nicely …”
“We were in Room 17. In general the hotel is welcoming and has great staff who make you feel at ease. Downside was the mattress was soft. I lifted the sheets to take a look. Wow, it was a health hazard covered in stains. I’ve honestly never seen that in a hotel and at over £300 per night I wouldn’t expect to have to sleep on that. The food was good and portions big! The whisky bar had a great vibe with the quaich passed around after 9pm - a nice touch. Breakfast was everything you could ask for (well almost) but the hotel advertised fruit etc with porridge but didn’t have any. Our bathroom had a fabulous shower but the screen didn’t appear fitted properly which meant a sizeable puddle on the floor. We fed back at check out but have had no feedback to date. Update: Had a lovely night here at the weekend with Mrs B. Tasting menu with paired wines. The chef, Pawel is creating a new experience using local ingredients cooked well to produce a taste of the Highlands which was delicious 👌 Alongside a room upgrade, the dining experience we have to say please make the trip and try the tasting menu- you will not regret it. Wine pairing, whisky pairing, or non-alcoholic pairing available.”
“We have not been for 11 years under different owners the bones and location of the hotel still have a really nice feel . The lux room was large and comfortable , could still use a few shelves in the large bathroom. But overall very good . Nice touch with a couple of drams in the room . The Spey Inn restaurant looks and feels better but was a bit lacking veggie choice but the combinations we had made for a tasty and filling meal . The whisky bar remains impressive. Breakfast had a wide choice and whet we had was great . Spent a little while in nearby Aberlour and it’s a pleasant place to spent time . Could just about walk along on a dry day. I have no doubt we will be back .”
Book directly with Craigellachie House for the best rates and availability.
February through October
14 guest capacity
$500-1,000/night