Grantown-on-Spey has a great sporting pedigree. We can boast an Olympic cyclist whose name now emblazons our local sports centre – more on him later. And two footballing twin sisters who represented their country – Shelley and Suzanne Grant.
But where can you partake in sport in Strathspey, indulge in a little exercise or even just relax and watch a game. We have the answers – here’s 11 ways to enjoy sport in Grantown all year round.
1 Walking
Let’s start off with something easy – walking. Being situated among beautiful forests, means that Grantown is blessed with myriad trails and paths to follow. And we’re part of two long-distance walks – the Speyside Way and the Dava Way.
The Speyside Way follows the route of the might River Spey, from Newtonmore to Buckie (or the other way round!). In total, it’s a distance of 84 miles. WalkHighlands, based in Grantown, has an excellent guide to the different sections, including estimated times to complete.
The Dava Way is much shorter – only 24 miles following the route of the old railway line from Grantown to Forres. But it is no less spectacular. You will see the wild heather moorland of the Dava Moor and head over a viaduct into the forests of Moray.
But you can also stay within the surrounds of Grantown and enjoy a good hike. Our community-owned Anagach Woods, which is part of Speyside Way, has some excellent trails, leading you through the pinewoods that are home to a host of wildlife.
You can also explore Beachen and Glenbeg to the northwest of the town or Kylintra towards the southern entrance. There’s even a viewpoint walk accessible from the caravan park. Best of all, all of these areas are within a short walk of the town centre.
2 Bikes
Anagach Woods’ tracks are brilliant for bikes and the whole family can join in. There are three circular routes detailed on the woodlands noticeboards that you can follow. Or your teenagers might like to head to the bike skills area. Just make sure you follow all the guidance about sensitive areas, and please don’t light fires in the woods.
Wheels Around Grantown is a new group promoting cycling in the town and their website has a wealth of information about different routes. There are currently 12 routes listed for gravel and mountain bikes, and a further 15 road routes. All routes include interactive maps, downloadable versions for print and gpx files.
Organisers have also included accessibility information – including where you might find locked gates and width restrictions.
If your bike needs a tune-up, head to the Achnagonalin Industrial Estate to see Ben at BC Suspension. As well as small repair jobs, he can schedule you in for a full bike service.
For those wanting something a bit more challenging, the Dava Way is also perfect for cycling. You could book with Rideaway Bikepacking – a bespoke guided bike tour company. Owner Jim Sutherland is passionate about providing small-scale biking holidays, where participants carry their food and equipment while cycling through beautiful parts of the local area. Get in touch with him to discuss your ideas for cycling adventures.
3 Craig Maclean Sports Centre
Sticking with cycling, we couldn’t mention sport without a nod to our Olympian Craig Maclean. He won Olympic silver alongside Sir Chris Hoy and Jason Queally in the team sprint at the Sydney Games in 2000 and gold at the 2012 London Paralympics as a sighted guide for Anthony Kappes.
Our sports centre, next to Grantown Grammar School on Cromdale Road, is named after him. It offers a range of indoor facilities, including swimming pool, fitness classes, kids activities and an indoor climbing wall. There is also a pay-as-you-go access for visitors.
4 Football
Our resident football team is Strathspey Thistle, AKA the Jags. Fortunes in the Highland League have been mixed in the recent years but there is an enthusiastic group of local residents working to help the team.
In the past year, a hospitality suite has been added to the ground, adding to the team’s commercial offering.
Check the website for the fixture list and c’mon you Jags!
5 Spectator sports
Of course, if 90 minutes in the stands doesn’t appeal, you could head to one of our bars to watch sport on television.
The Claymore Bar often shows sport on their big screens. You can also play pool or darts while enjoying your pint. Recently the bar was in the news after a visit from the boxer Tyson Fury, who was in town filming his reality series on Netflix!
Or try the Ben Mhor for a cosy vibe. This High Street Hotel has a popular public bar, where you can relax. There’s even a games room to keep the kids busy!
6 Golf
No sporting trip to Scotland could be complete without a round of golf and Grantown is a great based to explore the region’s best courses.
Grantown Golf Course was designed in 1890 and sits on the edges of Anagach Woods. It also offers some great views of the Cairngorm mountains. You will definitely enjoy your round, though don’t forget to have a refreshment from the clubhouse.
There is also a chance to experience golf from a bygone age.
Bobby Cruickshank was born in Grantown in 1894 and went on to enjoy a fantastic golf career – including finishing runner-up in the US Open three times – but you might never have heard of him.
He fought in World War I – where his brother was killed – and was taken prisoner. Following his escape from the camp, he went to America and built an impressive golfing career. He won 25 US tournaments and was the lead money winner on the US PGA Tour in 1927.
Now you can play with the same clubs as Bobby Cruickshank would have used.
Twelve sets of hickories have been refurbished for the experience, which has received funding from the Berry Burn Fund. You can try out nine holes – and enjoy a dram at the end to celebrate.
Contact 01479 872079 to book your experience or find out more at the Bobby Cruickshank Experience website.
7 Shinty
Admittedly, this sport is a bigger deal down the other end of the valley but in recent years, Strathspey Camanachd has been holding its own.
The men’s team was founded in 2011, playing their matched at Freuchie Park near Castle Grant.
Nowadays, it’s the ladies who are flying the flag for shinty in Grantown (the men’s team is inactive). The women compete in the Mowi North League, playing at Grantown Grammar School.
Check the fixture list to see if you can catch this spectacle during your visit.
8 Tennis
Grantown Tennis Club is on South Street, where you can find six clay courts (four have floodlights) and a beautiful wee clubhouse.
The club is active throughout the summer, with junior and adult coaching starting in Easter. Members compete in the Highland District League.
Club sessions are on Wednesday and Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
More information is available on the club’s web page.
9 Bowling
Sometimes you are in the mood for something more sedate and perhaps that’s a visit to Grantown Bowling Club.
This active club is based in South Street, where lots of work goes into keeping the greens looking perfect.
The club plays regular matches against local teams so check their Facebook page for the next fixture.
10 Cairngorms Activities
If you’re searching to kickstart your adrenalin, then Cairngorms Activities might be for you.
This outdoor activity provider is based on the outskirts of the town, beside The Cairn Distillery. And the list of things to do is almost endless.
On the water, you can canoe, kayak or paddleboard. For the more adventurous, try gorge walking. If you stick to land, there’s archery and laser tag.
The company provides gift vouchers and can cater for large parties – do you have a birthday, hen or stag do coming up? This could be the place!
11 Wintersports
Yes, this is a summer blog but how could we not finish with winter sports?
Grantown is ideally placed for getting to two of the five Scottish ski areas. Cairngorm Mountain is nearly 25 miles away, a 40 minute drive. Here you will find the famous funicular, which can speed you up to the top slopes. With pistes ranging in difficulty from green to black, there’s something for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
Or you could head east to The Lecht, Scotland’s smallest ski area. Beginners are well catered for here, with a selection of harder runs for the more experienced.
Check the forecast and the companies’ websites before you set off. Scottish weather is so fickle – massive snowfalls can make the sites unaccessible by road and high winds often bring a swift halt to snowsports.
If skiing is not your thing, then we would recommend a bit of sledging. Grantown Golf Club kindly allows this on some of their slopes. You’ll know where by the sound of screams and whoops as the local kids lead the way.
Or you could try Dulaig Park, where there is a large mound that serves as a decent slope when covered in snow.
And did you know that Anagach Woods hides a winter sport venue? The Strathspey Curling Club has its rink next to one of the main car parks (accessible from Forest Road).
These days it’s a well-used base for volunteers with Anagach Woods Trust but in winter we all keep our fingers crossed for the right conditions to allow a bonspiel to take place. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch this special event when you visit in the cold months.
Whatever your sporting adventure, tag @discovergrantown in your photos – we’d love to see what you’re enjoying!