Grantown-on-Spey Walks
Surrounded by woodland on the River Spey, Grantown is blessed with a varied range of walks, hiking trails, dog walking and cycling routes both in and around the town for all abilities. Many are through mature Scots Pine woods leading down to the River Spey or heading out of town to the Dava Way and Strathspey Way. They offer a mix of terrain with views towards the Cairngorms and the constant presence of flora and fauna where you could be lucky enough to spot a capercaillie, otter and red squirrel throughout the year in all seasons.
Walking Route Options
Old Military Road and Anagach Woods
From The Square at the heart of the town, one can walk around looking at the historical buildings and then head down the High Street to explore the large variety of local independent shops. From The Square and down Forrest Road past the fire station the road joins the old Military Road down to the Old Spey Bridge across the River Spey. Built by the British Government in 1754 after the last Jacobite Rebellion, the walk passes through the Anagach Woods of old Scots Pine and along the banks of the Spey. Here, there are opportunities to see a wide range of wildlife and one can continue deeper into the forest exploring the many waymarked signs that have been erected by the Anagach Woodland Trust.
Viewpoint
Another walk from The Square is waymarked to Viewpoint. This heads north past the Grantown Caravan Park where it joins the Dava Way on the old Highland Railway. The route to Viewpoint rises steeply through birch and hazel trees opening onto farmland near Achosnich farm. Here on a rocky crag, a cairn with a view chart identifies the panorama extending from Ben Rinnes in the east, the Cromdale Hills and the Northern Cairngorms to Glen Feshie and Drumochter in the south and west. Be sure to take binoculars with you on a clear day!
It’s possible to return by the farm road back to Grantown where it rejoins the old railway line and the Dava Way.
The Dava Way
Opened in 1863, the railway that once served Grantown from Inverness and Perth was closed to passengers in 1965. On 18 Sept 2005 The Dava Way was opened, creating a long distance walk of 24 miles or 38 km from Grantown to Forres. It rises to 1050 ft on the Dava Moor and in winter is often closed due to drifting snow.
The Speyside Way
Opened in 1981 the route has continued to expand from Buckie to Tomintoul, Aviemore and Newtonmore. Over 81 miles, 107 km, the trail follows the River Spey and approaches Grantown from Cromdale and through Anagach Woods onwards to Nethybridge. A long circular route can be taken called the Moray Way which comprises the Speyside Way, Moray Firth Coastal Trail and The Dava Way.
Wherever you are in Grantown you won’t be far from a woodland path, so take the opportunity to explore the town, enjoy the views and what nature has to offer. If you wish to have a guided tour meeting in The Square and walking to the River Spey through the woodland, then why not contact me here at Strathspey Tours and I can arrange to meet you and would be delighted to tell you more about our great little town’s heritage.
