Tourist Information & Hotels in Spey Valley

Covering from Dalwhinnie in the south the Grantown on Spey to the north. A large area including the Cairngorm mountain range, a haven for skiers and snowboarders in the winter time. Pine clad slopes and wide fertile valleys. A very distinctive Highland area, offering the visitor plenty opportunities to either take to the great outdoors or sample the many delights this area offers, such as the Whisky Trail, Landmark Visitor Centre in Carrbridge, Osprey spotting near Boat of Garten, and Monarch of the Glen Country starting in Newtonmore & Kingussie.

The area has a chain of attractive little towns and villages: Kingussie, Newtonmore,  Boat of Garten, Carrbridge and Grantown on Spey are the most well known and popular. Classic has hotels in each of these locations. Each location is easily accessible for some fine walking, skiing or snowboarding, golf and salmon fishing.

Walking

The Cairngorms are the "most natural" wild land that still survives in the UK. Is a national nature reserve, and part of the Cairngorm National Park. It is an area of extreme landscape from snow capped mountains to tundra style terrain. Cairngorms provides walking for all levels from the mountain peaks, to the forest strolls past shimmering lochs. Each of Classic's hotels has information on walking opportunities in reception.

Steam Train

The Strathspey Valley Railway operates a steam train between Aviemore and Boat of Garten, or Glenbogle as known in the popular TV series "Monarch of the Glen" A recommended 45 minute round trip taking in some beautiful Speyside scenery. The stream train operates between April and October.

Golf

A number of Classic's hotels can offer golf packages. The Boat Hotel, Boat of Garten is opposite the beautiful silver birch lined Boat of Garten Golf course, and the Eight Acres in Elgin and the Stotfield in Lossiemouth can arrange golf tee off times at the Lossiemouth golf links.

Fishing

Probably the most famous salmon river is the River Spey. The Boat Hotel, Boat of Garten has the facility to obtain permits to fish this mighty river.

The Whisky Trail

A visit to this area would not be complete unless you visit at least one of the 7 famous whisky distilleries. The Whisky trail stretches from Grantown on Spey to Elgin, a distance of some 40 miles. Glen Grant, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Glenfarclas and Cardhu are perhaps the most famous. All have visitor centres and conduct guided tours. Apart from visiting the whisky distilleries, the area passes through picturesque & lush countryside, and Ballindalloch Castle is a popular attraction for its castle and gardens.

A good time to stay in the Spey Valley and Moray Coast area is in May or September for the whisky festivals, when distilleries, bars, pubs, and whole villages along the whisky trail welcome visitors with drams, special tastings, ceilidhs and other events.

Other Things to See and Do

• Landmark Visitor centre & tree top walk - a great day out for all the family.
• Cairngorm Railway– take the Fenicular railway up into the mountains, which is open all year round.
• Waltzing Waters– a brilliant light and water show located next to the Balvail Sports Hotel in Newtonmore.
• Aviemore – a modern purpose built resort located in the heart of the Spey Valley
• Cycling –There are many off road tracks and paths in the area, the Speyside Way being the most well known, passing through Nethybridge and Boat of Garten.
• Osprey Centre, near to Boat of Garten – a conservation success, and Ospreys are quite common along the river valley. You can view nesting Ospreys from the Centre by using telescopes or by close circuit TV.