School holidays always means the chance for new family adventures. Grantown is perfect for a day out in the Cairngorms National Park. We have loads of activities for all ages.

Take a wander in the woods

Anagach Woods has a range of paths suitable for all abilities. Starting at the Forest Road car park, you can find a fantastic snake of painted stones on General Wade’s Road.

Named Angus the Adder, the colourful trail was started by local residents and their children during the first lockdown in 2020. Now it winds its way beside the path and is a favourite with visitors to Anagach.

If you carry on, you’ll eventually reach the mighty River Spey. There are paths leading up and downstream along the banks (though these are narrow and unsuitable for buggies so the road is a better option).

Upstream, you’ll see the bathing pool, also known as the beach – a wee patch of sand, which is popular with everyone in the summer months. It’s perfect for river paddling or even building a small sandcastle.

From here you can easily reach the pond at Kylintra, where the ducks are always hungry. Be sure to save some crumbs from your picnic. And the nearby meadow boasts a wealth of wildlife, from butterflies and bumblebees to deer and frogs. 

For older children and teens looking for something more action-packed, head to the bike skills park at Anagach. There they’ll find a host of obstacles and trails to test their biking prowess. The trails opened in 2012 and you can see a video from the opening here.

A spot of High Street shopping

Along the High Street, there’s also plenty to keep your young ones busy. Smarty Art has a lovely range of ceramic ornaments to paint with your own special designs.

Meanwhile, over the road, The Bookmark has an amazing children’s selection tucked away at the back of the shop. From board books to young adults fiction, from pop-ups to fact books, owner Marjory will find the perfect title.

Or perhaps you favour brightly coloured socks and stationery? Then Zebra is the place to go. The kids will love the exterior of this new store on the High Street, which stocks lots of imported goodies.

And when their spirits are flagging, head along to The Candy Coo. This independent sweetie shop has a selection of confectionery that features every colour of the rainbow. 

The next stop is Grantown East

For the train-mad toddler (or dad, or grandad), there’s only one stop – Grantown East Heritage and Cultural Centre. 

This disused station has been transformed into a fabulous visitor centre, with a railway theme running through each element. Food is served in a converted railway carriage, including their unique Puddin’ Pizza. The old station building itself is a beautiful gift shop with luxury crafts from across Scotland. 

But the pièce de resistance is the miniature railway. You can buy a ticket to ride this wee train, which takes you on a journey through the woods beside the centre’s Highland Games field. There’s even a tunnel!

And while you’re waiting for your turn, you can play on the specially made play equipment – of course it’s a train. 

And for the wee ones…

For babies and toddlers, there’s regular sessions at Y-Play, which is based at the YM Community Centre. This soft play café is a lovely setting for mums to meet for a coffee and chat while the children play in the ball pool or clamber over the foam shapes.

There are also regular events at Grantown Library during term-time so be sure to check their Facebook page for the latest programme.