Spey Valley Golf Course is a Dave Thomas-designed championship course at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains near Aviemore. At over 7,100 yards from the back tees, it is the longest course in the Highlands — a modern parkland layout framed by mountains, birch woodland and the River Spey. We provide private golf transfers to Spey Valley from Inverness, Aviemore, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Scottish airports.
About the course
Spey Valley is a very different golfing experience from the heathland courses that surround it. The fairways are wide and well-manicured, running through birch and pine with the Cairngorm plateau providing a dramatic mountain backdrop on every hole. Water features come into play on several holes, and the strategic bunkering rewards thoughtful course management. From the forward tees it is an enjoyable resort course; from the tips it is a genuine test that has hosted professional events.
The course is part of the Macdonald Aviemore Resort but is open to visiting golfers. The condition is consistently excellent, and the mountain setting — particularly on clear days when the snow-capped Cairngorms frame every fairway — makes it one of the most photogenic courses in Scotland.
The drive from Inverness
Spey Valley is 40 minutes south of Inverness via the A9. The drive takes you through the Slochd pass and into Strathspey, with the Cairngorm mountains appearing ahead. Your driver will collect you from your hotel or Inverness Airport and have you at the course with time to warm up. After your round, Aviemore town centre is five minutes away for lunch or shopping.
Cairngorms golf itineraries
- Spey Valley + Boat of Garten — Resort parkland then heathland gem, 10 minutes apart
- Cairngorms Triple — Spey Valley, Boat of Garten and Grantown-on-Spey across two days
- Golf & Activities Day — Morning round at Spey Valley, afternoon adventure activities in Aviemore
Travel times to Spey Valley
Nearby Cairngorms & Speyside courses
Boat of Garten Golf Club
10 minutes north
Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club
20 minutes north
Nairn Golf Club
50 minutes north
Request a Spey Valley golf transfer
Share your tee time, starting location, and group size.
Frequently asked questions
What is Spey Valley Golf Course like?
Spey Valley is a modern resort course designed by Dave Thomas, set at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains near Aviemore. At over 7,100 yards from the championship tees, it is the longest course in the Highlands. Mountain-framed fairways run through birch woodland with the River Spey nearby. It is a dramatically scenic course with a very different character to the region's heathland clubs.
Is Spey Valley part of a hotel or resort?
Yes. Spey Valley is attached to the Macdonald Aviemore Resort. Visiting golfers do not need to be hotel guests to play, but the resort facilities — including restaurants and spa — are available. We can coordinate your transfer with any resort bookings.
Can you combine Spey Valley with Boat of Garten?
Yes. Boat of Garten is 10 minutes away and the two courses make a natural pairing — modern resort parkland at Spey Valley, then traditional heathland at Boat of Garten. We handle all logistics and timing.