River Spey at Grantown-on-Spey
Introduction
This evening, I am reporting on the popular Speyside town Grantown-on-Spey (pop 2000).
Information on Grantown on Spey
The town was founded in 1766. It was established as a discrete, planned town (unusual for its day in Scotland) by James Grant. The town grew and prospered. Today it’s attractive silver granite buildings are home to a wide number of shops, guest houses, hotels, restaurants and families. Grantown is very well positioned for touring the Speyside whisky distilleries. In the locality there are opportunities for salmon fishing, water sports, hiking, bird watching and visiting gardens.
Grantown is about 35 miles S.E. of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.
Key highlights of the Grantown region
- River Spey: Grantown is close to the Spey which is the second longest and fastest flowing river in Scotland. The Spey helped to fashion the local landscape which in turn produces crops of barley (key ingredient for whisky making). The cool, clear waters of the Spey are also used for whisky making. Speyside has a long history of producing whisky and today there about forty five distilleries in the area.
- Whisky Distilleries: Grantown is an excellent base for touring the local distilleries. These include Glen Grant, Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Aberlour, Macallan, Cardhu, Glenfarclas and Glenlivet.
- Castles: There are a few castles in the locality which are open to the public. These include Ballindalloch, Balvenie and Drumin.
- Golf: Grantown has two 18 hole courses which welcome visitors.
- Fishing: A local permit can be obtained for salmon and trout fishing on the Spey.
- Water Sports: There are opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on the River Spey.
- Dining: Grantown benefits from a good choice of restaurants and eateries.
- Steam Railway. The Strathspey Stean Railway offers a nostalgic twenty miles round trip from Aviemore to Broomhill.
- Bird Watching: Grantown is a popular base for bird watching and boasts its own Birdwatching and Wildlife Club. Nearby are the Cairngorms (mountains) which are home to a rich variety of bird life.
Winter scene at Grantown-on-Spey
Castle Road
Landscape view near Grantown on Spey
Rainbow over Grantown on Spey
More information for the visitor
Information on many aspects of Scotland can be found in the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland. This publication is available via hard copy and Kindle. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4.