Abernethy Forest, Highland
★★★
Get a taste for the vast Abernethy Forest – part of one of the UK’s largest nature reserves – with a trip through the trees to two tranquil lochs: Loch Mallachie and Loch Garten. This is a beautiful place at any time of day or season, but we recommend visiting early or late in the day to get the forest to yourself – thereby increasing the chance of wildlife encounters. Red squirrels and wading birds are amongst the likely sightings; if you are extremely lucky you may catch a glimpse of a crested tit, crossbill or even a capercaillie. Ospreys may also be seen in summer, though they are best watched via webcam from the nearby RSPB Loch Garten visitor centre.
Chronological photo guide
Location
O.S. Grid Reference: NH 972185
GPS coordinates: 57.245755,-3.706116
No public transport within 1 mi
Car park
Key info
3 km / 2 mi | ▲ 20 m |
45 min
Features:
Abernethy Forest;
Loch Mallachie;
⬤ Easy | Clear, wide paths & tracks, mostly level. Narrower options nearer the lochsides.
Anticlockwise circuit: start – Loch Mallachie – Loch Garten- start
On our last visit
Wildlife: Chaffinches, great tits in the forest. Mallard ducks, common sandpiper & froglets at the lochs.
Weather: 13°C, windless & overcast with low cloud.
July 2021
