Close to the Old Rectory Cottage
There are many places of interest to visit in the area with Grantown-on-Spey being the gateway to the Malt Whisky Trail. The Grantown Heritage Centre is open through the summer months and traditional Scottish Highland Games are held at several different venues throughout the Spey Valley over this period. Within easy reach are the Cairngorm Mountains for winter sports facilities and hill walking and the beautiful sandy beaches of the Moray Firth are also close by.
The following offers a guide to some of the many attractions that are available for you when you choose to make the Old Rectory Cottage your Scottish Holiday Home.
The Cairngorms National Park
The cottage is a great place to explore the Cairngorms National Park. The Cairngorms was made a National Park in September 2003 offering a unique place to discover both local wildlife and countryside. It is Britain's largest national Park and has the largest area of arctic mountain landscape in the UK at its heart. It is home to 16,000 people and 25% of Britain's threatened birds, animals, and plants, and includes moor lands, forests, rivers, lochs and glens.
The River Spey
Only a short 5 minute walk from Grantown town centre runs the River Spey. The river offers numerous easy walking routes along its banks and is famed for its salmon and trout fishing. It has the third largest drainage area after the Tay and Tweed and is the second longest after the Tay. However, its major attraction is its size and the strength of its stream - in the middle and lower rivers it falls on average 12 feet per mile - the greatest of any British river.
Greater Speyside
The holiday cottage is the perfect base to explore the local Speyside area and visit tourist attractions throughout the Highlands and North East Scotland. The 'Greater Speyside' area in North-East Scotland treats you to an excellent mix of things to do and see with beautiful scenery.
The Whiskey Trail
On the whisky trailof Speyside, you’ll find more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries, each with its own warm welcome and an invitation to see, smell, taste and absorb the magic of whisky.
Craggan Outdoor Centre
The Craggan Outdoor Centreis based on the Glenbeg Estate set in the beautiful surroundings of Grantown on Spey in the heart of Speyside. Craggan Outdoors offer a wide range of activities, pursuits and adventure breaks catering for groups of all ages and different levels of ability.
Tel. (01479) 873283
Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland
Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotlandis one of the most celebrated holiday destinations in the UK. Wild and beautiful, the surrounding countryside isn’t just scenic, it’s teeming with wildlife and a host of other visitor attractions.
Revack Highland Estate and Adventure Park
1 mile outside Grantown-on-Spey, this is one of the best-kept secrets of the Highlands. Beautiful estate set in 350 acres perfect for walking, wildlife spotting, shopping, eating and relaxing. Garden centre and great adventure play area. Free admission.
Tel (01479) 872 234
Strathspey Steam Railway
Strathspey Steam Railway is perfect for either sunny or rainy days. Old fashioned steam trains and carriages run through stunning scenery between Aviemore and Boat of Garten to Broomhill, 3 miles from Grantown. In the summer, there is a bus link every Wednesday which connects Broomhill to The Square in Grantown. The Railway also runs Special Trains such as Santa and Mince Pie Specials as well as trains on festival days in Grantown such as Strathspey in May or Motor Mania Days. For information on the Strathspey Steam Railway.
Tel (01479) 810 725
Landmark Forest Theme Park, Carrbridge
Landmark Forest Theme Park, Carrbridge offers a host of attractions at this woodland theme fun park for kids and adults alike, from water slides to the giant Ants World play area, Treetop Woodland Walks, climbing wall, high ropes courses and other activities.
Tel (01479) 841 613
Base Camp Laggan Wolftrax
Base Camp Laggan Wolftrax mountain biking facilities offer 9 miles of mountain bike tracks to suit all ages (apart from the very young). Open 9-6pm.
Tel (01528) 544 786
Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore and Kingussie
Located at two towns, 2 miles apart, the Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore and Kingussie aims to include preserving and recording aspects of Highland life from the 1700s onwards, as well as interpreting the people's lives through interactive living history and activities. Kingussie, opened in 1944, is the spiritual home of the Highland Folk Museum. Here visitors may see parts of the core collections as well as the 'Blackhouse', Britain's oldest re-created building. Newtonmore, opened in 1995, is a mile long living history site that includes re-constructed buildings, a 1700s 'Township', a 1940 working farm, live interpretation and a range of visitor facilities.
Tel. (01540) 661307
Highland Wildlife Park
Visit the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig, See wolves, bison, lynx, otters, badgers and other Scottish wildlife in the natural habitat. See the red deer rut in the autumn with a herd of over 60 red deer. Experience Scottish wildlife past and present in the spectacular setting of the Highland Wildlife Park. See the amazing variety of animals found in present day Scotland, then step back in time and meet the animals that our ancestors must have known, hundreds, even thousands of years ago. Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area by foot. Gift shop, coffee shop, children's quiz trail, play area.
Tel (01540) 651 270
Grantown walks - Aviemore and Grantown: Northeastern Cairngorms
The Grantown walks - Aviemore and Grantown: Northeastern Cairngorms is the best known part of the Cairngorms National Park, centred on the purpose-built resort of Aviemore and the fine old town of Grantown-on-Spey. With a huge variety of scenery on offer, the area has become hugely popular.
Bird Watching
The Highlands is a fantastic place for Bird Watching and to view wildlife still in their natural habitat and surroundings. The RSPB Centre at Loch Garten is great place to visit, and you will be able to view the nesting site of a pair of Osprey and their chicks.
Working Sheepdog Demos at Kincraig
See working dogs as a team manoeuvring sheep and ducks through various obstacles. Feed the collie pups and orphan lambs.
Tel (01540) 651 310.
To book your perfect Scottish holiday cottage getaway at the Old Rectory Cottage in Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland, call us now. We look forward to hearing from you soon.