Local attractions

Grantown-on-Spey is one of the most interesting and important of Scotland's many eighteenth century planned towns. Its prominent position in Badenoch & Strathspey makes it an excellent centre from which to explore the Cairngorm Mountains, Braemar, Balmoral, Loch Ness, Fort William the Whisky Trail and many other areas of scenic and historic interest. Within just a few miles of Grantown you can see reindeer on the Rothiemurcus Estate or travel on the Strathspey Steam Railway from Aviemore to Broomhill (famous as Glenbogle Station in the BBC production of “Monarch of the Glen”. We are also only 40 minutes from the bustling yet gracious city of Inverness.

In Grantown itself

www.grantownonline.co.uk

The Grantown Museum is well worth a visit as are the Anagach Woods owned by the community of Grantown-on-Spey and providing opportunities for walking, running, orienteering and even skiing and curling.

Please see News section on our Homepage for details of forthcoming events in and around Grantown-on-Spey.

Wildlife

With the tree line thousands of feet below, the Cairngorm Plateau is the only truly Arctic plateau in Britain. This explains the unusual birds, plants and rock formations to be found there. The summit is home to breeding birds like ptarmigan, snow bunting and dotterel - rare birds which belong to the high tops.

In the gullies, delicate plants such as saxifrage and lady's mantle can be found among the ice-gouged granite rocks. The views from the top are breathtaking and, with easy access by funicular railway, it is a popular destination. Locally, the mature Scots Pine forest provides habitat for some of the rarest birds and mammals in Strathspey. Red squirrels are readily visible, but Wildcat and Pine Marten, although present, are much more elusive. 

In the forest, patience can be rewarded with glimpses of Strathspey's jewels - the crested tit, crossbill or capercaille, or visit the RSPB Osprey Centre at Loch Garten in the Abernethy Forest to see the pair of ospreys which return to the same nesting site every year.

Golf & Tennis

Strathspey has golf to suit every golfer. In Grantown the local course is superbly maintained and provides golf in exceptional surroundings with panoramic views to the Cairngorms and Cromdales. If you want a different course each day, you can travel a few miles to Nethybridge, Carrbridge, or Boat of Garten where you can also play tennis. All provide easy access and good value for money. If you want to try the championship courses, then you are only thirty to forty minutes from Nairn and Lossiemouth.

Fishing

The River Spey is undoubtedly one of the country's premier salmon rivers and, for guests residing in Grantown, fishing can be procured on the Strathspey Angling Association beats at very favourable prices. Also the River Findhorn has good runs of salmon and grilse.

Whilst the season begins in February, the fish really start to run from April through the summer with large numbers of sea trout arriving in late May and early June. If you prefer trout fishing, there are many small lochs locally which are well stocked to provide good sport.

Tickets for all fishing can be obtained from local tackle shops.

Cycling

Mountain bikes can be hired locally for use on the numerous woodland tracks which surround Grantown. For the more adventurous, there are many mountain roads which can take you rapidly to some of the most inaccessible and beautiful spots in the area.

Water Sports

Strathspey has many lochs and rivers which offer a wide range of activities, in particular Glenmore Lodge which offers a selection of water sports on Loch Morlich. You can opt for adventurous pursuits like canoeing or wind-surfing or relax and sail or row across the water in search of peace and quiet in a secluded landing place.

Skiing and Snowboarding

In the winter skiing, snowboarding, curling, skating and sledging offer unlimited enjoyment to winter sports enthusiasts, all of whom are made most welcome. Ski transport, equipment and instruction are available from local ski schools offering a choice of venue at either the Lecht or Cairngorm. Both are approximately forty minutes from Grantown.