8 of the Best: Independent Coffee Shops

There are loads of great places to grab a coffee on this side of the Cairngorms National Park. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites, so no matter where your walk or bike ride takes you, there’s always a hot drink – and maybe even a slice of cake – nearby.

Gashouse Café, Boat of Garten

This brilliant wee café is tucked behind the Ride Scotland shop, right at the Strathspey Steam Railway. It serves proper coffee – the kind you’ll get in any hipster café, as well as hot drinks and cakes, all made locally. There are a few large picnic tables outside where you can enjoy your purchases. Great for sunny days (and for those with a warm jacket). 

High Street Merchants, Grantown-on-Spey

This cosy café should definitely be on your list if you’re planning on a trip to Grantown. As well as serving delicious coffees, it also has a selection of home baked treats and freshly made lunches. There’s a lovely courtyard garden out the back, which is perfect for those with dogs, and there’s also a large range of crafts, paintings and photographs for sale – all produced by local Scottish Artisans. 

The Barn, Rothiemurchus

The Barn is a cafe and takeaway situated right next to the Rothiemurchus Farm Shop. Relatively new to the area, it serves up breakfast, daily specials, warming stews, soup, sandwiches, cakes, tea – and of course coffee! Dog friendly, with lots of outdoors seating, this is a great place for a re-fuel before heading into the national park. 

Nethy Café House, Nethybridge

If homemade soups, sandwiches and great cakes are your thing, then make sure you call into this quaint little café in the heart of Nethybridge. Relax in front of the wood burner with a barista coffee made from the Glen Lyon Roastery beans, or in the summer months, catch the best of the sun in the outside seating area. Well-behaved dogs also welcome.

The Old Post Office, Kincraig

This café and art gallery, located in an old post office, is a perfect place for hot drinks, fresh cakes, and deli-style lunches. Run by a friendly local family, it’s a popular spot to kick back and relax. And while you drink your delicious coffee, you can enjoy the artwork by artist-owner Ann Vastano, which adorns the walls. 

Route 7 Café, Aviemore

This family-owned café offers breakfast, lunch, cakes and coffees, all in a friendly environment on the top floor of Aviemore’s Highland Home Centre. It’s a popular wee place in peak season and has become a local’s favourite for their big breakfasts. There are plenty of veggie and vegan options, and of course, some delicious freshly brewed coffee. 

KJs Bothy Bakery, Grantown-on-Spey

If you were lucky enough to try her coffee at the Mountain Café in Aviemore, you’ll be familiar with KJ’s talent for tasty treats. Her new business is described as ‘Mountain Café gone mobile’ and is set up in a warehouse/bakery/kitchen in Grantown. Drop in for freshly baked bread, enormous cakes, fresh picnic lunches, and some delicious hot drinks – all made using local produce. 

Explorer Café, Aviemore

Located on the top floor of the popular outdoor shop, Tiso, this spacious café serves excellent hot drinks, soup, cakes and pastries. The tables are well spaced out and the whole place is open plan, so there’s plenty of ventilation. There’s also an accessible lift from the ground floor of the shop, for people who are unable to use the stairs. It’s dog friendly and open every day but opening times do vary so check online first.

*banner photo credit: Route 7 Cafe via Facebook