Scots pines in Abernethy Forest, Strathspey

Where to go · Highland

Forest bathing at Abernethy Forest (RSPB Loch Garten)

Ancient Caledonian pine forest around Loch Garten near Boat of Garten, with wide, firm trails through big old pines.

Abernethy is a large National Nature Reserve protecting ancient Caledonian pine forest in Strathspey, and the RSPB looks after the Loch Garten side of it. The Nature Centre looks out over the forest, the bird feeders and an osprey nest. Away from the centre it is a place of tall, old pines and still lochs.

Loch Garten is about two and a half miles from Boat of Garten and has a free car park. The wide, level Nature Trail runs from the car park to the centre, the Big Pines Trail is a short there-and-back walk among large pines, and the Two Lochs Trail is a loop of under three kilometres with two viewpoints, mostly wide and firm. Toilets are open only when the Nature Centre is. Dogs must be on a lead from April to August and kept away from the loch in spring and summer.

Practical

Managed by
RSPB Scotland (Abernethy National Nature Reserve)
Parking
Free car park at Loch Garten; Blue Badge spaces and electric car charging
Terrain
Wide, mostly level and firm trails; some uneven sections
Nearest station
Aviemore, about 20 minutes by car; Boat of Garten on the Strathspey Steam Railway in summer
Facilities
Nature Centre with viewpoint; toilets and Changing Places toilet (open with the centre); picnic benches
Opening and entry
Trails open access; Nature Centre has seasonal opening and admission
Official page
rspb.org.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides nearby

A guide within 15 miles of Abernethy Forest (RSPB Loch Garten)

  • Cath Wright

    Highland Quietlife

    Grantown-on-Spey, Highland

    UnclaimedTrained by Association of Nature and Forest Therapy

    Corporate and team daysPrivate and one-to-onePublic group sessions

    From £25 per person7 miles away

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