natural wonder
Loch Morlich
Beautiful freshwater loch in the Cairngorms with a sandy beach backed by ancient pine forest and views to the Cairngorm mountains.
19 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomScotland
Grantown on Spey
Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe
About Grantown on Spey
Grantown on Spey works well as a base: 25 minutes from Aviemore, 19km from Loch Morlich.
Grantown on Spey is a town located in Scotland, United Kingdom. With a population of 2,440, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Grantown on Spey sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Grantown on Spey to your route.
About Grantown on Spey
Grantown-on-Spey (Scottish Gaelic: Baile nan Granndach) is a town in the Highland Council Area in Scotland. Historically part of the county of Moray, it is located on a low plateau at Freuchie beside the River Spey at the northern edge of the Cairngorm mountains, about 20 miles (32 km) south-east of Inverness (35Read more
miles or 56 km by road). It had a population of 2,328 in 2022.
The town was founded in 1765 as a planned settlement, and was originally called simply Grantown after Sir James Grant. The addition 'on Spey' was added by the burgh council in 1898. The town has several listed 18th and 19th century buildings, including several large hotels, and serves as a regional centre for tourism and services in the Strathspey region.
Where to Stay in Grantown on Spey
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Grantown on Spey?
Grantown on Spey offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Grantown on Spey?
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Where is Grantown on Spey located?
Grantown on Spey is located in Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 57.3305 latitude, -3.6087 longitude.
What is the population of Grantown on Spey?
Grantown on Spey has a population of approximately 2,440 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 2,440
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Scotland
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 57.3305, -3.6087
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Grantown on Spey
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
Cairngorm Mountain Funicular
A funicular railway climbing high into the Cairngorms near Aviemore for panoramic alpine views and winter snowsports.
23 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Loch an Eilein
A serene Cairngorms loch with a ruined island castle, ringed by an easy ancient Caledonian forest walk near Aviemore.
24 km · about 30 min drive
famous road
The Lecht Road (A939)
The Cockbridge to Tomintoul road, Britain's most reliably snowbound route, a rollercoaster over the Cairngorms' eastern edge.
26 km · about 30 min drive
historic highway
The Lecht (A939 Old Military Road)
Notorious high crossing of the eastern Cairngorms on the 18th-century military road between Cockbridge and Tomintoul, climbing to 637m with roller-coaster gradients: often the first UK road closed by snow.
27 km · about 30 min drive
castle
Cawdor Castle
A turreted castle near Nairn built around a medieval tower, with a holly tree in the vault and gardens open in summer.
29 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
The Macallan Distillery
A Speyside distillery with a much-photographed turf-roofed visitor building set into the hillside above the Spey.
29 km · about 35 min drive
national park
Cairngorms National Park
The UK's largest national park in the Scottish Highlands with arctic-alpine landscapes and ancient Caledonian pine forests.
31 km · about 35 min drive
Driving roads near Grantown on Spey
- 23 kmCairngorm Mountain FunicularA funicular railway climbing high into the Cairngorms near Aviemore for panoramic alpine views and winter snowsports.
- 26 kmThe Lecht Road (A939)The Cockbridge to Tomintoul road, Britain's most reliably snowbound route, a rollercoaster over the Cairngorms' eastern edge.
- 27 kmThe Lecht (A939 Old Military Road)Notorious high crossing of the eastern Cairngorms on the 18th-century military road between Cockbridge and Tomintoul, climbing to 637m with roller-coaster gradients: often the first UK road closed by snow.
- 40 kmChanonry PointOne of the best places in Europe to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore, a spit on the Black Isle near Inverness.
- 51 kmCairnwell PassThe highest main road in Britain at 670m, where the A93 crosses the Grampians at Glenshee between Braemar and the ski centre. The famously steep Devil's Elbow hairpins lie just below the summit.
- 51 kmCairnwell Pass (A93, Glenshee)The highest public road in Britain at 670m, climbing the Devil's Elbow route through Glenshee to Braemar.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
Nearby Destinations
Other places to explore near Grantown on Spey.
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