Summary accessibility statement
How to get here
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.
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 Osprey Centre (1.6 miles/2.5 km).
This reserve is on Route 7 of the National Cycle Network.
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.
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.
Access to facilities
- The Centre is 275m from the car park, up a hard-surface, compacted track with slight inclines. There are two benches positioned at intervals along the track.
- The main entrance/exit to the centre is step-free and access around the centre itself is all on one level.
- There is wooden seating in the Centre.
- Spotlight lighting.
- Some written information.
- Staff always present during opening hours.
- The track up to the centre is 250m, compacted hard surface, with slight inclines.
- Three waymarked trails with no stiles or gates: Big Pines - 0.5 miles/0.8 km - linear trail, compacted forest soils, with tree roots, slight inclines and potential muddy sections; Two Lochs - 1.7 miles/2.7km circular trail, compacted forest soils, with tree roots, slight inclines and potential muddy sections; Part of the Speyside Way 3.5km / 2.5 miles, compacted loose surface with some steep sections.
- Large-print information display boards.
- Fixed binoculars and telescopes at various heights.
- No hearing loop, but staff give regular oral presentations.
- Two picnic benches, one with a designated wheelchair bay, and several garden benches.
- Dogs are not allowed entry to the Nature Centre, except Assistance 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.
- All sessions are Risk Assessed.