Grantown-on-Spey, Scottish Highlands



(Above image is a capture of Speyside scenery near Grantown.)

Grantown has a population of around 2000 and a history dating back to 1766 when it was established as a discrete, planned town (unusual for its day in Scotland) by James Grant. The town grew and prospered and today its attractive silver granite buildings are home to a wide number of shops, guest houses, hotels, restaurants and families.

The Square, Grantown-on-Spey

 
Grantown is very well positioned for touring the Speyside whisky distilleries. In the locality there are opportunities for salmon fishing, water sports, hiking, bird watching and visiting gardens. Grantown is also well positioned for travel to Inverness and the North East, including Aberdeen.

Location is about 36 miles S.E. of Inverness.


More Information-
  • River Spey: Grantown is close to the Spey which is the second longest and fastest flowing river in Scotland. The Spey helped to fashion the local landscape which in turn produces crops of barley (key ingredient for whisky making). The cool, clear waters of the Spey are also used for whisky making. Speyside has a long history of producing whisky and today there about forty five distilleries in the area.
  • Whisky Distilleries: Grantown is an excellent base for touring the local distilleries the more prominent of which include Glen Grant, Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Aberlour, Macallan, Cardhu, Glenfarclas and Glenlivet. 
  • Castles: There are a few castles in the locality which are open to the public. These include Balvenie, Ballindalloch and Drumin.
Balvenie Castle, near Glenfiddich Distillery.
  • Golf: Grantown has two 18 hole courses which welcome visitors.
  • Fishing: A local permit can be obtained for salmon and trout fishing on the Spey.
  • Water Sports: There are opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on the River Spey.
  • Dining: Grantown benefits from a good choice of restaurants and eateries.
  • Steam Railway: The Strathspey Steam Railway  offers a nostalgic twenty miles round trip from Aviemore taking in Broomhill.and Boat of Garten.

  • Bird Watching: Grantown is a popular base for bird watching and  boasts its own Bird Watching and Wildlife Club. Nearby are the Cairngorms (mountains) which are home to a rich variety of bird life.
Day’s Drive-

Here are some popular visitor sites located within a day’s drive of Grantown:
  • Inverness and Loch Ness
  • Fort William
  • Glencoe
  • Braemar and Balmoral Castle
  • Dunkeld.

 © Nigel P Cole/Catswhiskerstours Limited

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