Fishing

The Hawthorns is the only house offering accommodation on this stretch of the Spey, with its unique access and proximity to the river, it is the perfect choice!

The source of the River Spey lies high in the Monadhliath Mountains, just beyond Loch Spey and close to the Corrieyairack Pass. It finally enters the Moray Firth and so the North Sea at Spey Bay in Morayshire, having flowed through three distinct areas of countryside. Badenoch or "the drowned land" is the traditional name encompassing the upper reaches of the river from its source to Loch Insh and Insh Marshes - a flooded flatland and sanctuary of the Royal Society of Protection of Birds. In Badenoch, the Rivers Markie, Calder, Truim, Tromie, Gynack and Feshie all feed into the River Spey.

Strathspey takes in the middle stretch of the river reaching from before Aviemore to beyond Cromdale and Advie. It is upon this stretch that some of the very best fishing can be found. By this time, more than half way down its full length from Aviemore, the Rivers Druie, Dulnain and Nethy have spilled their waters too into the Spey and further down yet, the River Avon (pronounced Ann) with its own source in the Cairngorm Mountains, does so also in Speyside - that area renowned for malt whisky made from the water of yet more burns which eventually feed into this great river.

The lochs and rivers of Badenoch and Strathspey offer some of the finest and most famous and challenging game fishing in Scotland.

The River Spey itself is the fastest flowing river in Europe, falling over 1,100 feet at a drop of 11.5 feet per mile over its 98 - mile journey to the sea.

Permits for the many lochs in the area are readily available and the fisher can enjoy good sport for Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Salmon, Arctic Char and Pike. Lochindorb only a few miles out of Grantown offers boat fishing for brown trout. With its fine views of moors and mountains, and the remains of Lochindorb Castle built by John "the Black" of Badenoch in the 13th century, it is an idyllic setting for a days fishing.

Fishing for Salmon, Grilse and Sea Trout on the River Spey can be arranged through the local estate office, but a cheaper option is fishing on the local association waters. Some of these waters run within 100 yards of The Hawthorns.

Control of the Strathspey Angling Association is by the local tackle shop Mortimer's (Mr Mortimer being the secretary and treasurer). It is here that a variety of tickets can be bought ranging from one day to the full season, which runs from 11th February to 30th September.

Fishing is not permitted on a Sunday but during the fishing season the shop opens between 8 and 9pm on Sunday evening for issuing permits thus allowing the keen fisherman to make an early start after the Sabbath.