RSPB - giving nature a home
Search
Close
Skip to content
Shop | Community
Log in | Sign up
  • About the RSPB
      About us
    • Our history
    • Our mission
    • How the RSPB is run
    • RSPB Media Centre
    • RSPB job vacancies
    • At home & abroad
    • International
    • England
    • Northern Ireland
    • Scotland
    • Wales
    • Get in touch
    • Contact us
    • RSPB offices
    • Connect with us your way
      Our activities
    • Gardening for wildlife

      Gardening for wildlife

      See our ideas to keep you connected to nature during coronavirus

    • Connect with us your way

      Connect with us your way

      From our regular emails to your favourite social media, there’s more than one way to keep in touch with nature

    • Martin Harper Blog

      Martin Harper Blog

  • Our work
      Nature conservation
    • Conservation and sustainability
    • Projects
    • Landscape scale conservation
    • Centre for Conservation Science
    • Satellite tracking birds
    • RSPB News
    • RSPB News
    • 'Our work' blog
    • Our positions and casework
    • Our positions
    • Casework
    • State of Nature report
      Featured news
    • Mindful mornings

      Mindful mornings

      If you can’t get outside, why not bring the outside in by downloading our bird song radio app?

    • How nature can help protect our homes

      How nature can help protect our homes

      Following the floods this winter, watch how one area is using nature as a natural protector.

    • Casework

      Casework

      Catch up with the RSPB’s own nature detectives on the case as they look to save some very special places.

  • Birds & wildlife
      Wildlife guides
    • Identify a bird
    • Bird A-Z
    • Other garden wildlife
    • Guide to birdwatching
    • UK conservation status explained
    • Nature's Calendar
    • Nature's Home magazine
    • About Nature's Home magazine
    • Birds and wildlife articles
    • RSPB Podcasts
    • Nature's Home blog
    • Advice
    • How you can help birds
    • Gardening for wildlife
    • Ask an expert
    • Wildlife and the law
    • How to report crimes against wild birds
    • Bird songs
    • Which bird song is that?
    • Most popular bird guides this month
    • Which bird song is that?

      Which bird song is that?

      Find out how to identify a bird just from the sound of its singing with our bird song identifier playlist.

    • Who to contact if you spot an injured or baby bird

      Who to contact if you spot an injured or baby bird

      Read more advice about what to do if you find a bird that needs help

    • In for a duck

      In for a duck

      It’s nesting season for our waterfowl too but what are the rules you need to follow for ducks, geese or swans?

  • Get involved
      Activities
    • Big Garden Birdwatch
    • Nature on Your Doorstep
    • RSPB Competitions
    • Dolphinwatch
    • Community & advice
    • Join our local groups
    • How green are you?
    • RSPB Community
    • Get involved blog
    • Volunteering & fundraising
    • Volunteer
    • Fundraise
    • Help nature thrive as a corporate partner
    • Our grant funders
    • Campaigning
    • Revive our World in Scotland
    • Revive our World in Wales
    • Revive our World in England
    • Revive our World in Northern Ireland
    • Climate change effects on nature and wildlife
    • Protecting wildlife sites
    • Campaign with us
    • Five actions to Revive Our World
    • Let nature sing
    • OxCam Arc
    • Your Actions for Nature
    • Top activities to do
    • Nature on Your Doorstep

      Nature on Your Doorstep

      Great ideas on how your garden, or even a small backyard or balcony, can become a mini nature reserve

    • How green are you?

      How green are you?

      See some of the ways you can get into green living.

    • Campaigning

      Campaigning

      See our toolkit for ways to campaign with us to protect nature and save wildlife.

  • Reserves & events
      Reserves A-Z Events, dates & inspiration
    • Events
    • COVID-19 information
    • Dates with nature
    • Places to visit blog
    • #ThanksToYou
    • Find a reserve
      Top reserve this month
    • Marshside

      Marshside

      This fantastic wetland site is located north of Southport town centre and has some of the best wildlife in the region.

    • Lytchett Fields

      Lytchett Fields

      The reserve has seen more than thirty species of wading birds.

    • Arne

      Arne

      Heathland home to more than 2565 species.

  • Fun & Learning
      For teachers
    • Supporting resources
    • Wild Challenge
    • School outreach visits
    • Big Schools Birdwatch
    • Sign up for the newsletter
    • School trip ideas
    • For families
    • Big Wild Sleepout
    • Wild Challenge
    • Nature reserves for families
    • For kids
    • Fun factoids for all the family
    • Games and activities
    • Kids stories
    • RSPB kids competitions
    • Latest kids' activities
    • Wild Challenge

      Wild Challenge

      Nature is an adventure waiting to be had. Get out, get busy and get wild!

    • Fun factoids for all the family

      Fun factoids for all the family

      Find out more about the nature and wildlife outside your window.

    • Youth membership

      Youth membership

      As well as a free gift and magazines, you’ll get loads of ideas for activities to try at home.

  • Join & Donate
      Join us
    • Choose a membership
    • Family membership
    • Youth membership
    • Gift membership
    • Discover RSPB Life Fellowships
    • Renew your membership
    • Our 2020 film
    • Donate
    • Our appeals
    • Make a one-off donation
    • Make a regular donation
    • Memorial donations
    • Plant a memorial tree
    • In memoriam booklet download form
    • Thank you
    • Leave a gift in your Will
    • Other people's gifts
    • Legacy donation FAQs
    • Legacy administration
    • Legacy booklet download form
    • Other ways to help
    • Gift Aid
    • Support us when you shop
    • RSPB Images
    • RSPB second-hand binocular scheme
    • Win with the RSPB
    • Payroll Giving
    • Stamp out albatross deaths
  • Login to your account Sign up for an RSPB account
  • Shop
  • Community
  • Home
  • Reserves & events
  • Reserves A-Z
  • Loch Garten, Abernethy

Loch Garten, Abernethy

Following the latest mainland lockdown and island restrictions many of our facilities are currently closed. We ask that all visitors follow the latest Scottish Government restrictions on travel and group sizes and advice on physical distancing and hygiene. See below for reserve details and our dedicated Covid-19 updates page for the latest safety information (link below). Thank you for your continued support and patience in these challenging times. Stay safe everyone.
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
Address
Abernethy National Nature Reserve, Forest Lodge, Nethy Bridge, PH25 3EF
Grid ref
NH978183

Car parks and trails at Loch Garten are open, but the Loch Garten Nature Centre and toilets remain closed until further notice. The track to Forest Lodge and car park at this location are currently closed. Please help protect the forest and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

See our reserves Covid-19 updates page for which sites are open and other important details.

 

Abernethy is ancient, wild and immeasurably special.

Reaching from the River Nethy to the top of Ben Macdui (Britain’s second highest mountain), it boasts ancient Caledonian pineforest, sweeping moorland, vital wetland and dramatic mountains. Not to mention the newly refurbished Loch Garten Nature Centre. 

 

Take a look at the red squirrels on our feeder cam year-round, too... and between April and the end of August, don’t forget to check if we have a nesting pair of ospreys at the world-famous osprey nest at Loch Garten.

Plan your visit

Opening times

Covid-19 update: The trails and car parks at Loch Garten are open. The Nature Centre and toilets are currently closed and the track to Forest Lodge and the car park at this location also remain closed. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. 

The wider reserve and woodland trails are open all year-round. Please access the reserve responsibly.

The centre is open daily from 10am – 5.30pm (last entry at 4.30pm), between 1 April and the end of October.

Entrance charges

Free entrance to RSPB members
Yes
Adults
£5
Children
£2.50
Free entrance for first child
Free entrance for under 5s
Student
£3.50
Free entrance for carers
Yes
Car park cost

Free

Other discounts

 

 

Facilities

  • Visitor centre is closed
  • Car park
  • Toilets are closed
  • Accessible toilets are closed
  • Baby changing is closed
  • Pushchair friendly
  • Refreshments facilities are closed
  • Picnic area is closed
  • Guided walks is closed
  • Viewing points are closed
  • Nature trails
  • Shop is closed
  • Educational facilities are closed

Accessibility

  • Full accessibility information (external website)

How to get here

By train

Nearest mainline railway station is Aviemore (10 miles/16 km). From Aviemore take the B9150/A95 and follow RSPB Scotland Loch Garten Nature Centre road signs. A steam railway runs from Aviemore to Boat of Garten (4 miles/6.4 km) and Broomhill for Nethybridge (5.5 miles/8.8 km) April-October.

By bus

Nearest bus stop is on the B970. The bus route is Service 34 from Aviemore to Grantown on Spey (ask for Raebreck junction). From here a dedicated footpath leads to the Nature Centre (1.6 miles/2.5 km).

By bike

This reserve is on Route 7 of the National Cycle Network.

By road

In Strathspey, from the outskirts of Aviemore and Grantown, follow RSPB Scotland Loch Garten Nature Centre road signs. Taxis include Aviemore Taxis, tel: 01479 810141; Gerry’s Aviemore Taxis, tel: 01479 812000.

Sat nav POI file: If you have a satellite navigation system that can accept POI files, please see our POI page for a download link and instructions.

Other ways to get there

The Speyside Way links Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Nethy Bridge close to the Nature Centre which connects via a dedicated path, or the bus will drop you at the Raebreck junction which is a 1.6 mile walk to the Centre.

A network of trails stemming from the Speyside Way footpath, links the Nature Centre with the villages of Boat of Garten and Nethybridge.

 

 

Get directions from Google Maps
RSPB reserves on Google Earth

Information for dog owners

Between April 1 and August 15 you must keep dogs on a lead to protect ground-nesting birds, including capercaillie. Please keep dogs away from the loch during spring and summer, as it contains breeding birds. Dogs are not permitted at the Nature Centre, except assistance dogs.

Group booking information

We welcome pre-booked group visits to the Nature Centre and will happily provide a video presentation and wildlife interpretation to suit your group.

Schools booking information

The Nature Centre is a great place for children and young people to learn about wildlife and pre-school, school and college visits are welcome. Our Community Education Officer can plan and deliver Curriculum for Excellence linked activities to suit your class’s requirements. All visits are risk assessed. Charges are £2 per child, accompanying adults are free.

What will the weather be like?

13 degrees, Cloudy

Downloads

PDF, 181 KB

Tear off trail map

Contact Loch Garten, Abernethy

  • Abernethy National Nature Reserve, Forest Lodge, Nethy Bridge, PH25 3EF
  • abernethy@rspb.org.uk
  • Abernethy Reserve Office Nature Centre 01479 821409; Osprey Centre 01479 831476
  • @RSPBLochGarten
  • Find us on facebook

Save nature with a staycation in the UK

Family arriving at a Travel Chapter cottage

Saving the nature that you love for future generations to enjoy. Make the most of your visit by staying in one of thousands of handpicked cottages across the UK. Simply book your stay here to support our partnership. Throughout 2021 holidaycottages.co.uk are supporting our conservation work – saving species and restoring habitats right across the UK at a time when the future of our planet has never been more important and protecting nature for future generations.

BOOK NOW

What will you see?

Our star species

Your best chances of seeing capercaillie without disturbing them are to walk the forest tracks in the early morning, as they often come to the tracks to get grit for their crops. Please refrain from going off tracks and onto paths through the forest, as you could be disturbing breeding capercaillie.

    Crested tit

    Crested tit

    A Caledonian pinewood specialist, the soft trilling of the distinctive crested tit can be heard as you walk around the trails through the forest.

    Male goldeneye

    Goldeneye

    These tree-nesting ducks breed in specially provided nestboxes put up in trees around the edges of Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie.

    Adult Osprey, perched

    Osprey

    Magnificent, fish-eating birds of prey, ospreys have been nesting at Loch Garten since the 1950s. We are currently hoping for a new pair to take up residence, but ospreys can still be spotted in the Loch Garten area.

    Scottish crossbill male

    Scottish crossbill

    Just one of three kinds of crossbill at Abernethy (the others are parrot and common) - listen for their calls coming from the tops of the pine trees as you walk the woodland trails.

    Capercaillie, male

    Capercaillie

    Strathspey is a stronghold for this magnificent, but sadly declining woodland grouse. We carry out management work to benefit capercaillie, but unfortunately they are extremely difficult to see.

Live cameras

Enjoy a non-stop live stream from Loch Garten, home of the Nature Centre. Check out our live feeder cam. with the small birds and squirrels having a feast on our feeders.

Take a peek!

Nature spectacles

Visit the Nature Centre during spring and summer for a wealth of Highland wildlife: breeding osprey, crested tits, red squirrels, bank voles, great spotted woodpeckers, siskins, common lizards and other close-up views of Caledonian forest wildlife.

The track up to the centre is one of the best places on the reserve to see tooth fungi, with different varieties appearing in late summer.

Creeping-ladies-tresses orchids and the tiny twinflower show their delicate flowers amongst the forest floor.

On warm summer days, look out for dragonflies and damselflies, including white faced-darter and four-spotted chaser. Wood-ant nests contain up to 250,000 ants and some of our nests are a metre tall!

The arrival of wild greylag and pink-footed geese to roost on Loch Garten at dusk, is an exhilarating display in autumn and winter. Stand off the road, on the shores of Loch Garten and the geese will fly-in low, skimming the tops of the pine trees and over your head.

At this time of year, you can also feed coal tits from your hand outside the Nature Centre (closed from October). You’ll be delighted at how feather-light they are and how their claws tickle.

Further afield, golden eagles, ptarmigan, black grouse, red deer and many more iconic Highland wildlife species await – all set against the magnificent backdrop of the Cairngorms.

Seasonal highlights

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter

Visit the Nature Centre for red squirrels, siskins, ospreys, crossbills, crested tits, great spotted woodpeckers, bank voles and roe deer. Also look out for goldeneyes, common sandpipers and frogs.

The Nature Centre has red squirrels, siskins, ospreys, crossbills, crested tits, great spotted woodpeckers, bank voles, common lizards, dragonflies and red and roe deer. Also tree pipits, spotted flycatchers, redstarts, grey wagtails and woodland flowers around the reserve. As summer wanes, there are many trackside fungi.

The Nature Centre closes at the end of October, but the rest of the reserve is open. As dusk falls at Loch Garten, you may witness the exhilarating display of wild greylag and pink-footed geese flying low overhead, coming to roost. Also, look out for whooper swans, goldeneye, goosander, wigeon, teal, red squirrels and fungi and listen for rutting red deer.

The Nature Centre is closed but the rest of the reserve is open. Wild greylag and pink-footed geese roost on Loch Garten in late afternoon/evening, as well as whooper swans, goldeneyes, wigeon, mallard and teal. Also red and roe deer and red squirrels if the weather is mild.

About Loch Garten, Abernethy

Habitat

The wildlife-rich Caledonian pineforest is like no other forest in the UK. Huge, gnarled, lichen-encrusted Scots pine trees dot the landscape, interspersed with other species such as juniper, rowan, birch, blae’berry and heather. Pinewood specialities like twinflower and creeping ladies tresses are to be found, nestling in the lush vegetation. A myriad of fungi helps to break down the deadwood, a vital component of a healthy forest.

The heather between the trees continues through the forest edge, to form stretches of moorland. In August, the hillsides erupt in a riot of fragrant purple heather, attracting nectar-seeking invertebrates.

Rich, peaty-brown water flows in the rivers and fills the lochs. Brightly coloured sphagnum mosses act like sponges and store water, creating invertebrate-rich, boggy areas. Scots pine trees grow pale and stunted in bog woodland, a rare habitat with specialist species.

Formed by volcanic activity and shaped by glaciers, the sub-Arctic plateau of the Cairngorm Mountains is unique in the UK. Rare, fragile plant and lichen communities survive the sub-zero temperatures and hundred-mile-an-hour winds in the winter, alongside hardy ptarmigan. As well as Ben Macdui (1,309m), Abernethy holds several other peaks, including Cairngorm (1,245m), Bynack More (1,090m) and Meal a’ Bhuachaille (810m).

Conservation

Abernethy is home to around 5,000 species, many of which are rare or threatened. Because of this, the habitats and species here are defended by UK and international law, making it one of the most protected nature sites in Britain.

The reserve contains the largest remaining chunk of the ‘Great Wood of Caledon’, the Caledonian pineforest which used to cover much of the Highlands. Thousands of years of tree-felling and over-grazing have meant that just 1 per cent of this wildlife-rich forest remains.

We’re expanding the forest, to make it fit for the future, so it’s more robust and offers more protection for wildlife. In a partnership called Cairngorms Connect, some of our neighbours are doing the same. We are also working together to improve the bog, moorland, scrub, rivers and mountain habitats – more than 600 square kilometres! It’s going to take 200 years, but we’re working on it right now!

Deadwood is a vital part of a healthy forest - dead trees are just as wildlife-rich as living ones. Decades of tidy forest management have meant there’s not enough at Abernethy, so we create more, in all varieties – standing, lying, tall, short, big, small, with roots on and without.

Partners

Thanks to SNH Peatland Action Fund. Black grouse conservation work here is supported by The Famous Grouse.

SNH
The Famous Grouse
ERDF
SNH

Upgrades to the Nature Centre have been possible through the support of the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Site information

Abernethy is the RSPB’s second largest nature reserve and is highly protected by designations.

It contains two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs – UK designation protecting the best examples of our natural heritage); four Special Protection Areas (SPAs - European designation for rare, threatened, vulnerable or migratory bird species); two Special Areas of Conservation (SACs – European designation for threatened habitats and species) and one Ramsar site (international designation for important wetlands).

It is also a National Nature Reserve (UK accolade for the best wildlife sites) within the Cairngorms National Park – the largest National Park in the UK. Part of the Cairngorm Mountains National Scenic Area (NSAs represent Scotland’s finest landscapes).

Loch Garten is part of Abernethy and is the place that ospreys returned to in the 1950s after a period of extinction in the UK - they still return here every spring to breed. The Loch Garten Osprey Centre has views onto the nest, plus hi-definition CCTV. Red squirrels, bank voles, crested tits and lots of other woodland birds visit our feeders. Our friendly staff will help you have a memorable visit!

We have nature activities for families and a programme of events, including guided walks. Our shop sells gifts, binoculars, books, wildlife care, sandwiches, ice creams, snacks and hot drinks.

Help us protect this exceptional nature reserve and the wildlife which lives here by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and advice from the Cairngorms National Park Authority. 

If you notice anything of concern, please call 01479 821409.

Dogs - Between April 1 and August 15 you must keep dogs on a lead to protect ground-nesting birds, including capercaillie. Please keep dogs away from the loch during spring and summer, as it contains breeding birds. Dogs are not permitted at the Nature Centre, except assistance dogs.

Fires - Fires are not permitted anywhere on the reserve.

Walking - To protect rare and sensitive breeding wildlife, we advise that you stick to tracks and paths.

Wild camping/campervanning - Camping and campervanning should be low-impact and for a maximum of one night only. Please do not camp / campervan in lay-bys – use the Nature Centre car park. Please do not use the nature reserve as a bathroom. There are public toilets in Boat of Garten, Nethy Bridge and Carrbridge.

Swimming and canoeing - Please avoid sheltered bays and the far southern shore – these are important refuge areas for water-loving wildlife.

Photography - Do not cut plants or trees, either living or dead, to make sets – this is illegal! Do not use dead wood to make sets – it is a valuable habitat and food for many species. Use only bird friendly food – regular peanut butter contains salt and sugar which is harmful to wildlife and netted fat-balls can trap birds’ feet. If you set up a feeding station, remove all food and litter afterwards. The flying of drones is potentially disturbing to wildlife and people and is not permitted anywhere on RSPB Abernethy reserve without prior permission.

For more information, visit the Outdoor Access Scotland or Cairngorms National Park Authority websites.

Latest forum posts

  • Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), 11 April 2021

    HAPPY NEW WEEK and HAPPY NEW MOON! The moon turns new on Sunday night/Monday morning in UK and US. I hope everyone has a safe, healthy week and finds some moments of joy.  Here in Indiana, everyone is walking the woods and the fields searching the gr...

    Posted 11/04/2021 by Diane in Indiana
  • Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), 4 April 2021

    HAPPY NEW WEEK and HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE WHO CELEBRATES I hope you all have a joyful Sunday and a healthy, safe week! A sunlit Easter Bunny delivering eggs  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chelsi Burns/USFWS Photo labeled "Public Domain" (copyrigh...

    Posted 04/04/2021 by Diane in Indiana
  • LOCH ARKAIG - THE WOODLAND TRUST - APRIL 2021

    LINK TO LOCH ARKAIG OSPREYS WEBSITE Return Dates for Louis last year was 5th April 08.15 and Aila 6th of April 09.24 The happy couple last year - lets hope its not too long until we see them safely return from migration.  LINK TO MARCH 2021 THREAD - ...

    Posted 03/04/2021 by MaryGK
  • LOCH OF THE LOWES - APRIL 2021

    Link to March 2021 History of Ospreys at Lowes >>> https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/2019/03/celebrating-50-years-of-ospreys-at-loch-of-the-lowes/ Webcam page with links to LotL Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve FB, Twitter and Blogs >>> https:/...

    Posted 01/04/2021 by Sandra
Read our forum

Latest blog posts

  • May the 1st Be With You

    Hello bloggersphere,  I thought I should give you a wee update now that we have a clearer idea about how our season is going to look. Following quite a pessimistic year we now have the optimism of summer to look forward to. Our team for the season ar...

    Posted 12/03/2021 by Fergus C
  • Ain't no montane high enough!

    The montane plateau is sometimes an area that is overlooked on our reserve. Which is ironic as it sits at over 1000m and overlooks everything. If you are a keen walker, there are four Munros on Abernethy in the form of Bynack More, Cairngorm, Beinn M...

    Posted 17/12/2020 by Fergus C
  • Restructuring our perceptions

       Why does Abernethy take so many peoples breath away when they first enter? Even those with little grounding in nature are able to sense a difference in this natural woodland when they first set eyes on it. Trees well-spaced with hanging bows only ...

    Posted 27/11/2020 by Fergus C
  • Everything happened and nothing happened

     Tradition would dictate that we have a round-up blog of the season where we talk about the goings-on of the centre. It doesn’t seem right to do that this year but at the same time, it feels like we have so much to tell you. This year has been a para...

    Posted 09/11/2020 by Fergus C
read our blog

What people are saying about Loch Garten, Abernethy

Abernethy is a one of the best sites in Scotland and it always a pleasure to visit and talk to friendly staff, you always receive a warm welcome and a smile. The visitors centre and toilets are a credit to you, information is always plentiful and up-to-date and eagerly shared by enthusiastic staff.

John Hamilton

What a truly fantastic visit; not only did we see the chicks catch the first fish, but the staff on duty could not have been both kinder and more knowledgeable. We went with our teenage son who has learning disabilities and the time that was given to him so that he could see the birds really meant a great deal to us, and also to him as there has been a great deal of talk about the birds whenever anyone has asked him what he did on holiday. Thank you to all the team. We were convinced that joining the RSPB was a good idea, and we now agree.

Caroline Barclay

We've been going to the Nature Centre for the last four years and had been there a number of years previously. The centre is a credit to the RSPB - all the staff and especially to the stars, the birds. I came home and joined the RSPB on the strength of the work I have seen in the name of nature and saving all our wildlife.

Carl Paul

Activities and events

Activities for children and families

Children and families will find a wealth of nature-related activities to enjoy at the Nature Centre.

You can take your own Wildlife Challenge passport, hire an “Explorer Bag” for your visit from the entrance kiosk (bug pot, nature-discovery activities etc). See if you can spot any forest fairy folk at their magic tree. Try your hand at building an osprey nest (complete with massive osprey eggs for you to sit on!). Take a closer look at nature’s treasures with our Mag-Posts or walk like a pine-marten on our balance beam. Take a selfie at our osprey and chicks picture board.

At the centre you can enjoy playing in our natural outdoor kitchen (while mum and dad sit with a coffee at the picnic tables!), discover a world in detail with our digital microscope and get up-close to woodland birds and red squirrels at our feeders, try your hand at carrying fish like an osprey (are you strong enough?) and of course, watch out for the osprey family!

There are also activities such as moth-trapping, owl-pellet dissection and bug-hunting with sweep-nets happening throughout the season, as well as special events for all the family. Check out our events page or social media for more details.

Leisure activities

Abernethy has a lot to offer if you want to get out and about, from low-level trails to self-guided Munro bagging and everything in-between.

The half-mile, low-level, Big Pines trail leads from the Nature Centre car-park to the Loch Mallachie car-park (where the Two Lochs trail starts) and takes in some of the biggest Scots pine trees on the reserve. The path is hard-packed forest soils, has tree roots, undulations and potential muddy sections.

The low-level, circular, 1.7-mile, Two Lochs trail, accessed from the Loch Mallachie car-park, offers some of the finest views on the reserve, across Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie, and winds its way through the Caledonian pineforest. The path is hard-packed forest soils, has tree roots, undulations and potentially muddy sections.

Further afield, the reserve offers many long-distance walking and biking trails, including the Speyside Way, with opportunities to get out into the wilds of the Cairngorms. It is recommended that you do not attempt longer trials or high-level walks unless you are competent at navigation and are prepared for all-weather events, whatever the season. A map, compass, provisions and all-weather hill-walking gear are essential. Always leave details of your route with a friend.

Share this

  • Facebook Facebook Created with Sketch.
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

You might also be interested in

RSPB Giving Nature a Home Campaign

Friends of Abernethy

Our goal is to keep Abernethy special for wildlife and people for generations to come.
 Insh Marshes RSPB reserve, Loch Insh, 2000

The Cairngorms

The Cairngorms contains both the lower altitude floodplain of Badenoch & Strathspey and the higher Caledonian Pinewood.
Ben Wyvis

Tollie Red Kites

Tollie Red Kites provides close-up views of our most graceful bird of prey.

We spend 90% of net income on conservation, public education and advocacy

Quick links

  • Contact us
  • Online Community
  • Vacancies
  • Media centre

Information for

  • Teachers
  • Policy makers
  • Farmers & landowners
  • Scientists

Our work in

  • England
  • Scotland
  • Wales
  • Northern Ireland
  • International

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram

Partnering with

BirdLife_logo

The RSPB is a member of BirdLife International. Find out more about the partnership

Fundraising Regulator logo OSCR logo

© The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654

  • Terms & conditions
  • Cookie policy
  • Privacy policy
  • Charter and statutes
  • About our site
  • Modern Slavery Act

Cookie Preferences

Accepting all non-essential cookies helps us to personalise your experience

Edit settings
Accept all

Essential cookies are required

These cookies are required for basic web functions

Enable analytics cookies

Allow us to collect anonymised performance data

Enable marketing cookies

Allow us to personalise your experience

Save settings
Read our cookie policy