📌 Nature reserve near Nethy Bridge, Highland
★★★
The Caledonian pine forests stretching across the northern edge of the Cairngorms are home to many of Scotland’s iconic wildlife species. Perhaps nowhere more so than the beautiful Abernethy National Nature Reserve, at the heart of which is RSPB Loch Garten (yes, a wildlife reserve within a nature reserve, inside a national park!). Ospreys nest here during summer, and can be watched via webcams from the visitor centre; a live feed of a local golden eagle nest has also been installed for 2022. Red squirrels may be seen at any time of year, while the secretive capercaillie reserves appearances only for the most fortunate few. Mallard ducks? We didn’t even need to leave the car park for them (OK, admittedly they’re not part of the “iconic” list). Alternatively, take a walk using the vast network of forest trails nearby – we feature a short loop to Loch Mallachie.
🌍 Location
📌 By minor road 2 mi south of Nethy Bridge
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NH 981184
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 57.244502,-3.690554
❌ No public transport within 1 mi
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
⌚ Visitor centre (for nest viewing via webcams) open daily, April to mid October. Rest of site: always open
🎫 £5 adult / £2.50 child / free for RSPB members. Trails probably free outwith visitor centre opening hours
