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 provide 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. The latter is a wonderful walk north, with much of the route using the old railway line between the two towns.

2. Bike and Bakes

Get on two-wheels and explore Anagach Woods. Our beautiful community-owned woodland boasts brilliant tracks, running through Scots Pine forests. At the south-west exit of Anagach Woods, you’ll also discover the bike park. Recently refurbished to provide better surfaces and jumps for all abilities, these tracks have proved incredibly popular with bikers of all ages.

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. It’s named after our champion cyclist Craig Maclean, who grew up in the town. 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. 

With friendly staff, swimming pool, fitness classes, kids activities and an indoor climbing wall and with pay-as-you-go access for visitors, the sports centre is well worth checking out what’s on while you’re in town. It also hosts children’s birthday parties at the weekend, complete with bouncy castle and soft play options.

 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 shop is well worth a browse with young ones.

Marjory is on hand to help you find your perfect title. She is a wealth of information and well-deserving of her many awards.

5. Shop the High Street

Our High Street is full of opportunities to discover fresh, local produce and an array of wonderful crafty offerings. All of our shops are independently owned, meaning that you will likely meet the owners during your visit. They will be delighted to help you find exactly what you need and can offer a bit of local advice about the best spots in the town at the same time. 

Work your way up from lovely gift shop Ewe & Me and the haven of eco-inspiration that is Fiona’s Wholefoods & Refills and all the way to The Candy Coo sweet shop and beyond to businesses in the Square, such as Spey Models and Tea Room. Don’t forget to check out both sides of the street!

6. Eat out in Grantown

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 Luna Verde, a soup and sandwich from Asher’s Bakery, or something tasty to go from Macleans? The fabulous High St Merchants cafe-gallery-bar is extremely popular for its cosy atmosphere and range of local crafts.

For dinner, The Garth Hotel serves a fresh Scottish menu and holds the appealing opportunity for an after-dinner fireside Speyside dram, while at the Speyside Hotel, chef Lucy uses the best local ingredients to serve up a memorable meal. There are also several quality takeaway options, from mouth-watering Thai food at Po Pia and authentic Indian food at Sylhet Brasserie, to a choice of TWO fish and chips shops – The Royal Fish Bar and Speyside Fish and Chips.

You can also consult our special guide to eating out in Grantown for more information on the choices available.

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. And don’t forget to follow Discover Grantown on Facebook and Instagram to get up-to-date information about the town’s attractions.