What? Wait… Where? I hear you say. Nethy House Cafe & Rooms isn’t in Spain—it’s in Scotland! How right you’d be too. Soph and I recently took a trip there to attend a wedding. The wedding itself was in Grantown-on-Spey (more on that later), but we decided to take a morning off to explore the nearby village of Nethy Bridge, just eight miles down the road. While in Grantown, I saw in a shop a 30 year old bottle of Macallan on sale at £7,500.00.
Nestled in the heart of the Highlands, Nethy Bridge is the kind of place where life moves at a slower pace, surrounded by stunning scenery and fresh, crisp air. It seemed like the perfect spot for a quiet wander—and, of course, a good coffee.
Nethy Bridge
Nethy Bridge is a small village in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, nestled within the ancient Caledonian Forest and flanked by the Cairngorms National Park. It sits along the River Nethy, which meanders through the landscape, adding to the village’s picturesque charm. Known affectionately as “Nethy” by locals, it’s a place where nature takes centre stage, offering a tranquil retreat away from the bustle of modern life.
The village has a strong sense of community, with a history rooted in forestry and farming. Many of the homes and buildings retain a traditional Highland character, giving the area a timeless quality. Although relatively small, Nethy Bridge has all the essentials – a village shop, a hotel, and a handful of local businesses catering to both residents and visitors.
Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting, with red squirrels, deer, and a variety of bird species making regular appearances. The nearby Abernethy Forest is a haven for birdwatchers, particularly those hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive capercaillie. The Speyside Way, a long-distance walking route, passes through the village, offering stunning views and a taste of the area’s rugged beauty.
Despite its peaceful setting, Nethy Bridge isn’t entirely cut off. It’s within easy reach of Grantown-on-Spey and Aviemore, where larger shops and amenities can be found. The village also has a strong connection to Scotland’s whisky heritage, with Speyside’s famous distilleries just a short drive away.
It’s the kind of place that feels untouched by time – a proper Highland retreat where the air is fresh, the scenery is spectacular, and life moves at a more relaxed pace.
Nethy House Cafe & Rooms
We decided to stop here for a coffee, and the car park was quite busy on this Sunday morning. We were lucky to get a table as walk-in customers, and I’m so glad we did.
The menu was varied, with the usual breakfast options but also some more interesting and different choices. There was a lovely selection of cookies, bakes, and cakes too. I had a mocha, and it was absolutely amazing! Soph had tea ( they serve Yorkshire tea here ), and her mum opted for a soft drink. While browsing the menu, I really liked the idea of the “build your own breakfast,” where you could choose your bread and fillings. I went for a bread roll with sausage, bacon, and black pudding.
Everything was cooked to order, and when it arrived, it was piping hot and fresh. The bread was soft, the bacon and sausage were both high quality, but the real star of the show was the black pudding—absolutely top-notch. Soph went for the pancakes with fruit compote and fresh yoghurt, which came as a stack of three light, fluffy, and freshly made pancakes.
If you’re ever in the area, this place is well worth a visit! Check out their Facebook page here for their details.
Grantown On Spey
Grantown-on-Spey is a charming Highland town on the northern edge of the Cairngorms National Park, deep in the heart of Scotland’s whisky country. It sits on the banks of the River Spey, one of the most famous salmon fishing rivers in the world, and serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of Strathspey and the wider Highlands.
Unlike many of the smaller villages in the area, Grantown has a more developed feel, with a proper High Street lined with independent shops, cosy cafés, traditional pubs, and essential services. It’s a popular base for visitors exploring the Cairngorms, offering a mix of outdoor adventure and Highland hospitality. The town was purpose-built in the 18th century by Sir James Grant, hence the name, and its wide, tree-lined streets and grand stone buildings reflect that planned layout.
Grantown is a haven for walkers and nature lovers. The surrounding Anagach Woods provide peaceful trails where you might spot red squirrels and roe deer, while the River Spey itself is a draw for anglers. The town also sits along the Speyside Way, making it a key stop for those hiking the famous route. In winter, nearby Aviemore offers some of the UK’s best skiing and snowboarding, just a short drive away.
There’s a strong community spirit here, with local events, Highland games, and ceilidhs keeping traditions alive. The town also has a rich whisky heritage, being in the heart of Speyside – home to some of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries. Whisky enthusiasts will find themselves spoiled for choice, with names like Glenlivet, Macallan, and Aberlour within easy reach.
All in all, Grantown-on-Spey is a proper Highland town – picturesque, friendly, and steeped in history, yet with enough life and amenities to make it feel like a small hub rather than just another sleepy village. It’s the kind of place that draws people back time and again, whether for the scenery, the whisky, or just a breath of fresh Highland air.
We passed coming in the other direction 7 Dutch sports cars, mainly Porsche, so it looked like a touring sports club was in the area. Then, further down the road another 3 of these cars drove by, so the Dutch have obviously got this area on their maps.
Wrapping Things Up
I wasn’t sure which section to add this into, A Taste Of Home or the Sightseeing and Landmarks category, but as this was my first visit back to the UK in well over 3 years, I thought I might as well include something different.
