Recently voted one of the best golf courses in Scotland, Spey Valley features some of the most breath-taking views in the world, This stunning course offers golfers a glimpse right into the very heart of the Scottish Highlands. Designed by Dave Thomas and host of the European Challenge Tour's Scottish Hydro Challenge from 2009 to 2018, the Spey Valley Championship Golf Course combines the challenging aspects of the sport with the unique Highlands environment. The course also features beautiful scenery and unique wildlife including deer, red squirrels and osprey. Not only voted 'Most Picturesque Golf Course in the UK' also awarded 'Scottish Highlands Golf Course of the Year 2018' by Your Golfer Magazine. Highly recommended. Fancy some lessons when here? The PGA Professional David Torrance would be delighted to book you in for a lesson or two at the fantastic on site Spey Valley driving range or short game areas. David can be contacted direct at dtgolf@
Highland Hideouts Highlights: We love the scenery and vistas available during your round, from the steam railway, the mountain ranges to world famous Spey river. We all have our favourite holes, we love the par 3 16 (image at the top of this page), 229 yards from the back tee. Requiring a long iron, rescue or short wood to the elevated green over water, a great test on any day. We also love it so much because of the challenge and because one of the HH staff won a nearest-the-pin competition there recently, only a foot or so from a perfect ace!
Designed by one of the grand-masters of golf course architecture, James Braid (1870-1950), “The Boat” is set alongside the River Spey in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, only 10 minutes drive from the bustling village of Aviemore. The course is not only renowned as a demanding test of sporting skill but also as a magnificent setting for the game. Braid’s design features 18 completely individual holes, cleverly and sensitively shaped fairways lined by birch trees, heather and broom, maximising the natural landscape and producing a beautiful and challenging course.
Highland Hideouts Highlights: This course is a true hidden gem and no golfing visit to the area should be without this classic on your list. We love the challenge to this course, the undulating fairways, most of the holes tree-lined, and the elevated tees and greens. Our and the course designer's favourite, the 12th hole, Craigellachie, par 4, 349 yards with elevated tee and stunning views. A long iron or short wood is recommended to the largest part of the fairway giving an easier approach to the large two tier green.
From arriving at the car park and getting your clubs out to having coffee and cake after your round, Carrbridge Golf Club aim to ensure that you thoroughly enjoy your visit. Take a seat at the top of the course and enjoy stunning views of the Cairngorm Mountains in the distance
Highland Hideouts Highlights: This is a very friendly local club and a well presented 9 hole course. We always enjoy hole 7/16, 262 yard, short par 4, great view of the Cairngorms from here. Drive into the valley then a lofted iron is the way to play this hole. Anything mis-hit from the tee will end up in deep heather or the burn that crosses the fairway. The key shot is the second which must land on the elevated green. Anything short will stick on the bank and anything long will drop into a very steep slope behind the green.
Established in 1893, Abernethy Golf Club is located on the B970 road between Grantown on Spey and Coylumbridge, just north of Nethybridge. Abernethy is a traditional Highland golf course, built on natural moorland, and surrounded by majestic pine trees. The course is suitable for golfers of all standards. Abernethy golf course is home to many wildlife species. Red squirrels abound in the forest bordering the fairways, pine martens are regular visitors and curlews nest between the seventh and eighth holes. Golfers may even glimpse an osprey flying over the course carrying a fish to feed its young at the famous Loch Garten nest - a rare birdie indeed.
Highland Hideouts Highlights: This is a another local friendly 9 hole club and always boasting a well presented course. The hole to look out for is number 2/11, 115 yard, par 3, an unusual hole in that the drive is over a public road and it should be noted that a ball coming to rest between the roadside fences is out of bounds. Fortunately the road is not a busy one and the two-tier green is very receptive so a birdie is always on the cards. Always a chance for a holes-in-one every time.
Established in 1890 Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club is one of the finest golf venues in Cairngorm National Park area. The course was designed by Willie Park with assistance from James Braid. Nestled in leafy parkland looking onto the Cairngorm mountains , Grantown has one superb 18-hole golf course, very different in style, character and golfing challenge which attracts many golfing societies due to its charm and playability factor.
Highland Hideouts Highlights: Just a stroll from the High Street, you are met with a parkland course, always in great condition, an easy-walking course with stunning views. We love the 9th hole, stunning views, a 275 yard, short par 4 played downhill. One of the most photographed holes in Scotland. A very inviting tee shot, driveable, and one for an eagle or birdie opportunity after a good accurate drive.
A fantastic 18 Hole Golf Course situated in splendid scenic isolation within the Cairngorm National Park. A true golfing hidden gem – An old Tom Morris and Harry Vardon Course. The 18 Hole course provides something for every golfer, a mix of generous fairways, natural challenges and rolling undulations. The course is surrounded by breath-taking scenery including the gentle sounds of wildlife and the River Gynack.
Highland Hideouts Highlights: Another great local club with a friendly welcoming clubhouse and staff.We recommend the challenge and fun of hole 15, 96 yards, elevated tee over the River Gynack, affectionately know locally as “the card wrecker”. An accurate tee shot is required, anything coming in high and soft will hold the green and provide a birdie chance.
Established in 1893, this 18 hole 6031 yard (par 70) course has inspired generations of golfers and is playable with comfort and pleasure by average and good golfers alike. The Spey Valley golf course is mostly easy-walking parkland, in tip-top condition and laid out on the natural contours of the flood plain of the River Spey. The course is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, and in winter provides grazing for local sheep.
Highland Hideouts Highlights: Another easy-walking course and close to Kingussie Golf Club, great choice for playing two different courses in one day. Lots of enjoyable holes, we recommend the 3rd hole, 421 yard, par 4, with elevated tee. Great driving hole with stunning views, the best line is aiming for the trees behind the green.
A championship links course, home of the 2016 Scottish Open, overlooking the Moray Firth and well-known landmarks that are synonymous with Inverness and the Black Isle - Kessock Bridge and Chanonry Lighthouse perhaps the most notable.
Highland Hideouts Highlights: Without doubt one of the best courses in the area, you will be in awe of the course, art deco clubhouse, facilities and scenery. We can recommend all the holes but the 3rd, 305 yard drivable par 4 is fun for all. Located right at the end of the peninsula, great views and once you take the bunkers out of play a long narrow green awaits to test your putting!
Any Highland Hideouts recommendations?
We have local golfers on the staff and will be delighted to help with any recommendations for courses to play. Please just get in touch on 01479 810835 at info@highlandhideouts.co.uk.
