Grantown-on-Spey
Baile nan Granndach
Alert
Perched on the northern edge of the Cairngorms National Park is the historic town of Grantown-on-Spey, the capital of Strathspey. Home to Clan Grant, this picturesque town is known for its quaint architecture, connection to nature and lively atmosphere - aided by year-round markets and the town’s strong community spirit.
James Grant of Grant, a weaver, established the town in 1765 with the first building: a linen factory. Other businesses soon joined, including the town’s first distillery, The Grant Arms, which serves up drams to this day. As well as a small supermarket, Grantown supports several independent shops, cafés and restaurants that line the traditional high street.
As the name suggests, the River Spey runs parallel to the town and has supported many of its former industries, from salmon fishing to shipbuilding. Today, the fresh Highland waters feed several whisky distilleries and provide a place of solace for those seeking adventures on - and in - the water.
On land, Grantown-on-Spey has a seemingly endless network of trails. Ready for exploration by foot or bike are wild pine woodlands and a range of local hills.
Many of Scotland’s iconic tree types such as aspen, birch, bird cherry, pine and rowan weave through the local Anagach woods and provide a home to an exciting mix of wildlife - from otters to red squirrels, golden eagle and more.
For a longer adventure, the nearby Speyside Way winds through 84 miles of whisky country. The Lecht ski resort and Cairngorm Mountain are within half an hour's drive, making it convenient for snowsports enthusiasts.
Perched on the northern edge of the Cairngorms National Park is the historic town of Grantown-on-Spey, the capital of Strathspey. Home to Clan Grant, this picturesque town is known for its quaint architecture, connection to nature and lively atmosphere - aided by year-round markets and the town’s strong community spirit.
James Grant of Grant, a weaver, established the town in 1765 with the first building: a linen factory. Other businesses soon joined, including the town’s first distillery, The Grant Arms, which serves up drams to this day. As well as a small supermarket, Grantown supports several independent shops, cafés and restaurants that line the traditional high street.
As the name suggests, the River Spey runs parallel to the town and has supported many of its former industries, from salmon fishing to shipbuilding. Today, the fresh Highland waters feed several whisky distilleries and provide a place of solace for those seeking adventures on - and in - the water.
On land, Grantown-on-Spey has a seemingly endless network of trails. Ready for exploration by foot or bike are wild pine woodlands and a range of local hills.
Many of Scotland’s iconic tree types such as aspen, birch, bird cherry, pine and rowan weave through the local Anagach woods and provide a home to an exciting mix of wildlife - from otters to red squirrels, golden eagle and more.
For a longer adventure, the nearby Speyside Way winds through 84 miles of whisky country. The Lecht ski resort and Cairngorm Mountain are within half an hour's drive, making it convenient for snowsports enthusiasts.
Alert
Grantown-on-Spey
key
facts
Elevation
220m
Location
N
Location
Discover Grantown
Learn more about this vibrant Highland village, including local walk routes and the town’s independent shops and community events.
Relevant alerts
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There are only 532 capercaillie left in the UK. Over 85% of those birds live in a handful of forests in the Cairngorms National Park.
The species is protected under UK law, which makes it a criminal offence to disturb them whilst they are breeding. Breeding season lasts from 1 April to 31 August. Capercaillie need all our help to survive so please #LekItBe and don't go looking for capercaillie.
Latest update: Some male birds are displaying in prominent places near to other breeding capercaillie to attract the attention of females. Visitors are advised to take particular care as birds may also attack you as their testosterone levels are high. There have already been incidents of people being injured by the birds so please follow the signs in place for your own safety too.
In particular, members of the public are being advised not to use the following paths into Abernethy Forest from Glenmore and Nethy Bridge during early mornings (before 8.30am) over the next few weeks to avoid disturbing breeding capercaillie:
- Ryvoan Bothy to Forest Lodge path
- Vehicle access track to Forest Lodge
- Dell Road to Forest Lodge track
- Forest Lodge to Rynettin path
Additional information:
