1. Let’s go for a walk!

Walking is such a fabulous way to see the area and breathe in that fresh Highland air. For more accessible or shorter paths, try the Grantown Health Woodland near the Grantown Medical Centre. The River Spey and Anagach Woods also have routes for all abilities, while the Viewpoints Walk is a little more challenging. If you’d like something more strenuous, try the Dreggie and Glen Beg circuit or head over to the Cromdale hills and bag a Graham. Càrn a’ Ghille Charr or Creagan a’ Chaise provides a harder hill walk with great views. Two of Scotland’s best known long-distance walks are also on the doorstep. The Speyside Way comes right through Anagach Woods, and the Dava Way runs from Grantown-on-Spey all the way up to Forres.

2. Bike and Bakes

Hire mountain bikes from Basecamp Bikes on The Square and explore the trails in Anagach Woods. At the south-west exit of Anagach Woods you’ll also discover the bike park – all the local biking kids love it! To refuel, cross the bridge over the River Spey and follow the signs into Achnagonalin Industrial Estate, where you’ll find KJ’s Bothy Bakery. Delicious takeaway coffees, breads, cakes, baguettes, soup and more – there are even special homemade dog biscuits! 

3. Craig Maclean Leisure Centre

Grantown’s Craig Maclean Leisure Centre, situated on Cromdale Road next to Grantown Grammar School, is a real favourite indoor option. With friendly staff, swimming pool, fitness classes, kids activities and an indoor climbing wall and with pay-as-you-go access for visitors, it’s well worth checking out what’s on while you’re in town. 

 4. The Bookmark

Grantown-on-Spey is fortunate to have its own fantastic independent bookshop on the High Street – this is a must-visit! The Bookmark is owned and run by book lover extraordinaire Marjory Marshall. There is a remarkable range of stock squeezed into very limited shelf space, spanning all kinds of genres and the fabulous children’s section at the back of the is well worth a browse with young ones.

5. Shop the High Street

Our High Street is full of opportunities to discover fresh, local produce and an array of wonderful crafty offerings. Work your way up from lovely gift shop Ewe & Me to the haven of eco-inspiration that is Fiona’s Wholefoods & Refills and all the way to The Candy Coo sweet shop and beyond. Don’t forget to check out both sides of the street!

6. Eat out

Locals and visitors love the range of quality eating establishments we enjoy here in Grantown-on-Spey. Take some time to explore the High Street and see what takes your fancy. Perhaps a cuppa or an ice cream at Chaplins, a soup and sandwich at Just Delicious, or something tasty to go from Sandwitches? The fabulous High St Merchants cafe-gallery-bar is extremely popular. The Garth Hotel serves a fresh Scottish menu and holds the appealing opportunity for an after-dinner fireside Speyside dram. There are also several quality takeaway options, as well as mouth-watering Thai food at Po Pia and authentic Indian food at Sylhet Brasserie.

7. Immerse yourself in history & heritage

Last on our list of favourites is the opportunity to learn all about the history and heritage of this traditional Highland town. The Grantown Society’s heritage trail through the town will give you a full understanding of it. Last stop on the trail is our very own Grantown Museum,  where Dan and his team also provide a tourist information service through the visitor centre, gallery shop and costume experience – if you always wanted to ‘be’ Claire or Jamie from Outlander, this is your chance!

For more ideas of things to do around Grantown-on-Spey visit the Days Out section.