Grantown on Spey, the capital of Strathspey in the Highlands of Scotland, is a small town with a population of approximately 2,700. It is made up of a very interesting mixture of houses from large impressive Victorian stone mansions to quaint dwellings, laid out in a planning style individual to Grantown.

The River Spey, 15 minute walk	Dian with his salmon from the Spey.	Red deer	Pheasants & a duck in our front garden

'Britain's largest National Park is a living, working landscape with wild land at its heart. The moutains that have shaped the people, culture, natural heritage, scenery and character of the area dominate the national Park and give it its name. The National Park has unique and incredibly important wildlife. The high mountains, ancient forests, fields and moorlands are each outstanding. All together in one place they make the Cairngorms very special indeed. Grantown-on-Spey. Population 2,166. A fine example of an 18th centuary planned town is the original 'capital' of Strathspey. Key activities revolve around the River Spey and the ancient Caledonian forest notably wildlife watching, fishing and walking, while the history of the town and its people are brought to life at Grantown Museum.'

Walks whether in town or the stunning countryside are always rewarding. The surrounding forests with glorious views of the Spey and Spey walks are to be recommended. Grantown is an ideal base for mountaineering, hill walking, canoeing and mountain biking.

My husband is a highly qualified Outdoor Pursuits Instructor (MIC; BCU - Level 5 Kayak & Level 3 Canoe; Trail Cycle Leader; BASI 3 Skiing) and if you require guiding please ask for daily or half day rates for climbing, hill walking, canoeing, etc. 

The town boasts excellent golf and tennis clubs who welcome visitor access on a daily fee basis.  The Cairngorm and Lecht ski slopes are 20 miles from here;

Grantown is a very good location for the Malt Whisky Trail; the nearby Strathspey Steam Railway - usually open from March to October; castles within driving distance include Ballindalloch, Brodie and Cawdor and Balmoral;  or Dunrobin castle for a day trip up North; the barracks at Fort George with it's museum; visiting the RSPB reserves at Loch Garten and Insh Marshes - local bird varieties include osprey, capercaillie, crossbill, crested tit, ptarmigan, dotterel, heron; Golden eagles at Strathdearn nearby.

'Our' squirrel feeding on half a coconut in our front garden	The same squirrel eating nuts from on top of the small bird feeder in our front garden

Wildlife in the surrounding forests include red squirrel, roe deer and badgers with reindeer and red deer in the Cairngorms - if you stay over Christmas you can see reindeer draw Santa's sledge up the main street on 23rd Dec and they start immediately in front of our house, along with a traditional piped band.