Grantown-on-Spey Travel: River Spey & Cairngorms Guide

You know that I absolutely love a good road trip, and honestly, those unplanned stops that give you a moment of pure calm are the best parts of the journey! I was just traveling back from Elgin when we decided to pull over for a quick rest, and the spot we found by the River Spey in Grantown-on-Spey at 5:19 pm was just breathtaking.

The light at that time of day was stunning; I was completely mesmerized watching the setting sun hit the water, giving the river this gorgeous, sparkly color, and the whole area felt so peaceful. There were a few people with caravan buses parked nearby, but they kept the riverside totally clear, and the whole vibe was calm and super clean. I love seeing people respect nature like that!

Then came my little adventure, hahaha! I started feeding two ducks, and they were so hungry that when I moved, they actually followed me. I totally freaked out and ran away, lol! But this lovely man who was parked a little closer to the river came over and told me not to run, saying they were friendly and just hungry. He was so brave that he fed the ducks right from his hand, but I still couldn't bring myself to do it. There was one selfish duck who kept dominating all the food, so we had to ensure that the other little one got a chance to eat too. Seriously, that stop by the river was such a wonderful moment; it’s views and experiences like that that truly make the whole road trip worthwhile.

The Charm of Grantown-on-Spey

I got so curious after our stop that I just had to find out more about this beautiful area! For those of you who don't know, River Spey, Grantown, is a total Highland diamond, and I've dug into the deep history, the town's life, and the amazing things you can do there. Get ready to add this stop to your Scotland travel list and thank me later.

About River Spey

The River Spey is Scotland’s second-longest and one of its fastest-flowing rivers—so you know it's a powerful and majestic waterway. It gives its name to the entire region, Strathspey, and has been vital to local industry for centuries. Historically, the river supported salmon fishing and even shipbuilding, with timber being rafted down from the forests. Today, it's world-famous for being the heart of Speyside whisky country, providing the pure Highland water that feeds so many of Scotland's most iconic distilleries. The Spey is also a top spot for fly-fishing, especially since a unique technique called the "Spey cast" was developed here, and it's a paradise for canoeing and other watersports.

About Grantown-on-Spey

The town of Grantown-on-Spey, often called the capital of Strathspey, sits right on the northern edge of the stunning Cairngorms National Park. It’s a remarkable place because of its fascinating and deep history, especially as one of Scotland's finest planned towns.

• A Product of Enlightenment: Grantown was founded in 1765 by Sir James Grant, during a time known as the Scottish Age of Enlightenment, right after the Jacobite rising of 1745. The goal was to boost the local economy, create jobs to reduce emigration, and improve life in the Highlands.

• The First Stone: The town began with the laying of the first stone for a linen manufactory in 1765. The initial industries like linen and wool failed, which led to the famous saying, “A Highlander never sits at ease at a loom; 'tis like putting a deer in the plough.” The town quickly adapted, growing as a market town for the surrounding agricultural district.

• A Tourist Hub: The addition of the railways in the 1860s truly put Grantown on the map, not just for trade but for tourism. The beautiful scenery and well-planned Georgian architecture started attracting Victorian tourists, and it has remained a popular holiday destination ever since. The full name, 'on-Spey', was officially added in 1898.

Population and Contribution to Scotland

Grantown-on-Spey maintains a wonderful, vibrant small-town feel. While the population is relatively small (around 2,440 inhabitants according to recent data), its contribution to Scotland is huge.

• Gateway to the Cairngorms and Speyside: As a major service and tourism center for the Strathspey region, Grantown is a vital gateway to the Cairngorms National Park and is a key stop on the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

• Preserving Heritage and Community: The town takes pride in preserving its Georgian heritage and promoting its strong community spirit. It’s a place that showcases traditional Highland life alongside stunning natural beauty, which is a massive draw for visitors from around the globe.

• Outdoor Economy: It underpins the local economy by supporting industries like tourism, forestry, and agriculture, offering a unique mix of outdoor sports and cultural experiences that contribute significantly to Scotland’s reputation as a top travel destination.

My Top 10 Must-Do Tourist Attractions in and Around Grantown-on-Spey

If you're planning a trip to this part of the Scottish Highlands, here are the absolute must-see and must-do attractions:

Anagach Woods: This is a huge area of beautiful, community-owned ancient Caledonian pine forest right next to the town. It offers an endless network of well-marked walking and cycle trails, perfect for a peaceful stroll or spotting rare wildlife like red squirrels and capercaillie.


Grantown Museum & Heritage Trust: To really understand the history I've talked about, a visit here is essential. It details the story of Grantown as an 18th-century planned town, including Queen Victoria’s visit and the arrival of the railways. You can even try on replica Georgian costumes.

The Speyside Malt Whisky Trail: Grantown is perfectly located as the gateway to this world-renowned trail. You can visit numerous nearby distilleries, like Aberlour, Glenlivet, and Balvenie, to learn about the distilling process and, of course, sample some of the finest single malts.

Fishing on the River Spey: The river is internationally famous for its salmon and trout fishing. The Grantown Association controls several miles of prime fishing beats, offering a world-class experience for anglers.

Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club: If you love golf, this is a beautiful 18-hole, par-70 course set against a stunning backdrop of the surrounding Cairngorm mountains. The views alone make it worth the round.

Outdoor Activities and Watersports: The area is an adventure playground. You can book activities like canoeing and kayaking on the River Spey, gorge walking, archery, or mountain biking, which are perfect for adventure seekers and families.

Explore the High Street: The town’s High Street is a delight. Unlike many places, it’s full of traditional, independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, giving it a charming, almost antiquarian feel. It’s the perfect spot for some retail therapy and grabbing some local food.

Ballindalloch Castle: Just a short drive away, this magnificent 16th-century castle is a fantastic day trip. You can tour the castle, walk the beautiful gardens, and even see the oldest herd of Aberdeen-Angus cattle.

The Speyside Way: This 84-mile long-distance walking and cycling route passes right near the town. Even if you don't do the whole thing, you can join a section for a lovely hike through whisky country and along the river.

Craig MacLean Leisure Centre: If the weather isn't cooperating, this indoor leisure facility offers a well-equipped gym and swimming pool, proving Grantown is a town for all seasons and interests!

Honestly, Grantown-on-Spey truly is a hidden treasure in the Highlands. From its Georgian architecture and fascinating history to the endless outdoor fun on the stunning River Spey, it’s a place that offers both deep relaxation and high adventure. It just goes to show that the best parts of travel often start with an unexpected stop.

My green hoodie jumper is from Primark.

 

These photos were taken on September 21st, 2025.