Aviemore to Grantown-on-Spey

The attractive, historic town of Grantown-on-Spey dates from 1765 and sits by the beautiful River Spey. In the Victorian era it was a favourite holiday destination.

Today it is still a thriving and popular place. There are many independent shops, attractive stone buildings and picturesque walks.

The Stagecoach service 37, X37 travels between Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey, through the picturesque Speyside countryside. The service stops at the charming small villages of Boat of Garten and Nethy Bridge on the way.

The journey is easily done as a day trip from Aviemore, or you could choose to stay in Grantown-on-Spey.

See our Guide to the Highland Mainline for how to get to Aviemore. See our Guide to Aviemore for details of where to visit, accommodation and restaurants in the town.

Route: Aviemore - Boat of Garten - Nethy Bridge - Grantown-on-Spey

Trip length: 45 minutes

Boat of Garten

Boat of Garten is a pleasant small village beside the River Spey. The village has a hotel with a beer garden – The Boat Country Inn & Restaurant, an art gallery with a focus on Scottish landscapes – 1896 Gallery, a colourful community garden, and a small village shop with a selection of gifts.

Boat of Garten is also a stop for the Strathspey Steam Railway. There is an attractively restored railway station which is nice to look around even if you are not travelling on the train. It is our favourite station on this historic railway line and was also a filming location for the TV series The Traitors. See our Guide to the Strathspey Steam Railway.

Golfers can enjoy a round of golf and a meal at the Boat of Garten Golf Club with its stunning views. Visitors are welcome and equipment is available to hire.

There are a number of walking paths around the village which are detailed in this Boat of Garten Paths Group map.

For walkers and cyclists there is access to the Abernethy Forest trails and Speyside Way long distance path. Some people like to take the train one-way to Boat of Garten and cycle back to Aviemore.

You can also visit the nearby RSPB Loch Garten nature reserve where ospreys may be viewed between April and August. It is a three mile walk from the station through nice scenery, or take your bike as it is on the National Cycle Network (on road route).

Nethy Bridge

For walkers the village provides access to the Abernethy Forest trails and Speyside Way long distance path – the Nethy Bridge Visitor Centre can provide advice if needed.

It is also around half an hour's walk to another station on the Strathspey Steam Railway, Broomhill. The station was the filming location for ‘Glenbogle Station’ in the TV series Monarch of the Glen.

Options for lunch are the Nethybridge Hotel or the Nethy House Cafe.

Grantown-on-Spey: Where to visit

GRANTOWN MUSEUM

The museum is in an attractive building, Burnfield House, which dates from 1861 and originally housed the Grantown Female School. It contains collections related to the town, the surrounding area and Clan Grant.

For an additional fee, they also offer a bookable 'Adventures in Costume' experience where you can choose from over 20 handmade replica costumes to dress up in. There is also a shop and visitor information.

WALKS

The countryside around the town is beautiful and there are a number of walking paths available for a range of abilities. Options for exploring include forests and woods, hills, the old railway line, and the walk to the River Spey which is what we did.

You can also walk on the Speyside Way and the Dava Way.