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
trail of 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 Scotland is 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
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
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
Mountain biking facilities with 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, this Museum 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
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
This 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.
Mountain
Sports
During the winter season ski and snowboard at the Cairngorm Mountain winter
sports resort. Or if you are visiting the area in the spring, summer or
autumn, then enjoy the fantastic walks and breath taking scenery on the
mountain.
Water Sports
Loch Morlich offers a full range of water sports, with tuition and equipment
rental
Bird Watching
The Highlands is a fantastic place 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.