Abernethy National Nature Reserve

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A mountain, forest and moorland mosaic

Abernethy National Nature Reserve (NNR) is one of the largest and most inspiring reserves. It stretches from the River Nethy to the top of Ben Macdui, high on the Cairngorm plateau. Abernethy NNR encompasses one of the largest remnants of Caledonian pinewood, as well as moorland, wetlands and mountains. The reserve is home to a host of specialist pinewood and upland plants and animals.

Whether you’re looking for a short walk, a full day hike or somewhere to watch wildlife, there are lots of options at Abernethy.

NatureScot owns and manages Dell Woods – the part of Abernethy forest closest to the village of Nethy Bridge. From the village you can start your visit at the Explore Abernethy centre and enjoy several woodland trails.

RSPB Scotland manages the majority of the reserve, including all the high ground.

Find out more about visiting Dell Woods - Abernethy NNR.

Top attractions

  • Follow easy-going trails into the heart of ancient woodland.
  • In the visitor centre, be inspired by the variety of nature at Abernethy.
  • Look out for elusive red squirrels.

Find out more about the reserve and its natural history.

What’s on?

Visit our Events page to see what upcoming events you can get involved in at this reserve.

Contact

Reserve manager: Ian Sargent
NatureScot
Achantoul
Aviemore
PH22 1QD

Telephone: 01463 725219
Email: [email protected]

Find out more

Discover more about why Scotland’s National Nature Reserves were created and the partners who manage them.

Related Links

Follow our NNR Facebook page for up-to-date information on reserves across Scotland

Follow NatureScot’s Scotland's Nature Blog and find interesting articles on Scotland’s natural heritage

Find information about the visitor facilities at RSPB Loch Garten 

Explore Abernethy in Nethy Bridge acts as a gateway to Abernethy NNR

Abernethy NNR is one of nine NNRs within the Cairngorms National Park 

Abernethy NNR is a member of VisitScotland and the GTBS (Green Tourism Business Scheme) 

Enjoyed your visit?

  • Make a donation to support nature and visitor facilities on our NNRs.
  • Let us know what you thought on TripAdvisor 

Thanks to funding from the Scottish Government's Peatland ACTION programme, delivered in partnership with NatureScot and other agencies, peatland on this National Nature Reserve is being restored. Putting peatland on the road to recovery is helping Scotland tackle the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss.

NatureScot Peatland ACTION dual language Logo

Find out more

Related links