Grantown-on-Spey is an impressive town. It’s no wonder it used to be the ‘capital’ of Speyside. The wide, spacious main street is typical of the Georgian era in which it was built.
Follow the A940, which changes to the A939 at Dava, and leads you straight into the town
In fact, its Georgian heritage is very much its attraction. The Grantown Society exists to preserve this planned town and make it a vibrant visitor destination – Watch out Forres!
As you’d expect from a capital, there is lots to see and do here, and it’s a pleasant 22-mile drive from Forres. Spending a whole day here is easy.
The two towns were once connected by a railway as well as by road. The ‘Dava Way‘ weaves gently through the undulating countryside, and is now one of Scotland’s national walking routes. At 23 miles, it’s just doable in a day on foot.
Shops
You’ll find there is a good selection of independent shops in Grantown and very few chains. There’s a Co-op in the ‘square’, but that’s the only supermarket.
It’s actually a rectangle, and it’s also a green space with many benches where you can sit and relax. Take time to walk the full length of the main street, where you’ll find even more local shops.
The wide high street has an antiquarian feel and traditional shops, such as greengrocers, dairy, refill shop, art studios, craft shops, and lots more. There are takeaways, cafes and restaurants because you’ll need to refuel at some point.
Leisure-time
As the name suggests, the town sits right on the River Spey, so world-class fishing is right here. There’s a golf course within walking distance of the town, and of course it’s the beginning of the Dava Way (or the end for those of us in Forres).
If you like history, the museum is a must, you’ll learn interesting things about the town and you can dress up as a Georgian (even the adults). It’s conveniently located on the edge of town, making it a great starting point for a heritage tour of the town centre.
The community-owned Anagach Woods provides a beautiful maze of accessible walks and cycle trails. And you can sneak a peak at the River Spey from here if you cross the road (there are steps here).
There are three waymarked trails:
- Red walk 5.5 miles (8.8km), 2hr 45min
- Blue walk 2 miles (3.2km), 1 hours
- Green walk 1.25 miles (2km), 50 minutes
If you’re into indoor sports, then the Craig Maclean Sports Centre should be on your list of places to go. This leisure facility has a well-equipped gym and swimming pool.
Beyond the town
You’re only a few miles away from Aviemore, which has a whole range of sporty activities from quad biking to clay pigeon shooting to skiing.
Lochindorb, halfway along the Dava Way, makes a pleasant stop on your way in or out (assuming you’re coming from the Forres or Nairn direction. If you’re not, it’s worth a detour to take in the tranquillity.
Birds and wildlife
The many walks that lead out of the town are great for spotting wildlife. Anagach Woods should be of particular interest. Red squirrels are common here, and it’s the natural home for many birds including capercaillie, crossbills, buzzards, crested tits. (unique to pine woods). Other animals you might see are roe deer and pine marten.
If you head out of town, you also have the nearby RSPB reserve at Loch Garten which has live webcams on its osprey nests, and is a haven for other wildlife too.
Events
There are several full-day organised events in and near Grantown each year. Thunder in the Glens is not to be missed – the UK’s largest gathering of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They pitch up here in late August. Grantown is a day stop for the bikers, but the town is transformed into a huge sea of motorcycles with an ambience all of its own.
And that’s not the only motoring event. Motormania, Truck in 2 Grantown are two big family days out for petrolheads.
Then there’s the Highland Games, Grantown Show and a series of farmers’ markets.
Visit Forres says:
We visit the town often, and it’s definitely our favourite neighbour. It’s outside the Moray border, but inside the Cairngorm National Park, which of course means you’re in the right neck of the woods for enjoying natural beauty.
The walk along the high street is a step back in time, not only because of the Georgian architecture, but it’s like a high street from fifty years ago, small, independent shops with great customer service and a friendly greeting.
For more information, see Grantown Online