Grantown on Spey - A thriving community with a great high street full of independent shops

Grantown on Spey is nestled at the northerly edge of the Cairngorms National Park and makes a great base to explore both the rugged mountain landscapes to the south and the peaceful Moray scenery to the north. The town itself is well-serviced with shops, cafes and restaurants, making it a perfect holiday location for those looking for classic Scottish scenery with convenient access to amenities. Whisky lovers are spoiled for choice in Speyside, with the Malt Whisky Trail leading you around 9 of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries.

Grantown is surrounded by woodland, with the Cairngorm mountains to the south and the River Spey flowing alongside the town. The area is bursting with outdoor activities, whether you want to try your hand at gorge walking, kayak down the Spey, climb one of Scotland’s highest mountains, mountain bike through pine woodlands or fish for salmon on the Spey. Grantown also has an 18-hole golf course with stunning mountain views. Nearby Anagach Woods are a beautiful Caledonian pine forest next to Grantown, criss-crossed with waymarked trails.

The town is situated half way between the Cairngorm and the Lecht Ski Centres, and so skiers and snowboarders are spoiled for choice.

In Grantown itself, an excellent Heritage Museum gives an insight into life in the area over the centuries. There are also numerous independent arts and crafts shops and an independent bookshop, as well as a deli and excellent cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Speyside is well-known to any whisky fan, and a 70-mile Malt Whisky Trail leads you through several of Scotland’s most iconic malt whisky distilleries and a cooperage. Speyside is home to roughly half of all of Scotland’s distilleries, and the area’s inland setting and pure water from the River Spey give the region’s whiskies a distinct, elegant character.

Whether you’re looking to summit a Cairngorm mountain, try a dram of a Speyside malt, lose yourself in the woods or simply enjoy the peacefulness of a Highland town, Grantown on Spey has a little bit for everyone!