Things to do in Grantown-On-Spey

Founded by Sir James Grant in 1765, Grantown (or ‘grant-town’) is a bustling market town, nestled beside the River Spey. Home to a thriving Highland community and only 14 miles from Aviemore, it has a traditional high street packed with small independent shops and eateries. If you’re staying in the Cairngorms and fancy a trip to Grantown, have a look at our guide to the best things to see and do.  

1. KJ’s Bothy Bakery

If you were lucky enough to try her food at the Mountain Café in Aviemore, you’ll be familiar with KJ’s talent for tasty treats. Her new business is described as ‘Mountain Café gone mobile’ and is set up in a warehouse/bakery/kitchen in Grantown. Drop in for freshly baked bread, enormous cakes, and fresh picnic lunches – all made using local produce. 

2. Try a spot of fishing

Fancy catching your first wild salmon? Then you should call in to Mortimer’s of Speyside, on the Grantown High Street. This gorgeous traditional shop has been the foremost fishing tackle retailer in the area for over 50 years. They carry all the leading makes in rods, reels and everything you need to prepare you for your first salmon… or brown trout. Call into the shop to hire your equipment plus a gillie, or obtain your fishing permits for the Strathspey Angling Association waters.

3. Andersons Woodfired Pizza

Situated on the Achnagonalian Industrial Estate, on the edge of Grantown, Anderson’s Pizzas are a relative newcomer to the area. The company has been operating the hugely popular Andersons Restaurant in Boat of Garten for years and in 2020 they branched out to sourdough pizzas. The dough is made fresh every day and the ingredients are all sourced locally – from the Loch Duart salmon, to the Grants of Speyside black pudding. If you like pizza, you’ll love this place.

4. Speyside Wildlife Tours

Based in Grantown, this company offer a series of bespoke wildlife experiences within the Cairngorms National Park. Particularly popular is the Evening Wildlife Watching Hide, which is located in the Caledonian Pine Forest near Aviemore. Book this night-time experience to see badgers, pine martens, tawny owls, red squirrels and roe deer quietly going about their lives in the forest. They also offer day guides and specialist wildlife photography trips, amongst others.

5. Craggan Outdoors

This outdoors activity centre specialises in delivering the very best experiences for groups of all types, ages and abilities. They offer a wide range of activities from ‘low impact’ sports like archery or disk gold, right through to more energetic options like abseiling and gorge walking. You can book 1 to 2 hour activities through to half and full-day sessions, as well as some peace and quiet through to some fairly raucous group fun and games. Check out their website for more details.