Abernethy NNR - Visiting the reserve

Visit Abernethy NNR for spectacular wildlife and forest walks all year round.

 

 

 

Getting here

Dell Woods is best accessed from the village of Nethy Bridge.

By car

Nethy Bridge is approximately 19 kilometres by road from Aviemore. Follow the A95 north from Aviemore for 16 kilometres. Turn onto Station Road and follow this road to Nethy Bridge.

You can park at the Explore Abernethy centre.

PH25 3EQ is the nearest postcode.

By public transport

Bus service 34 runs from Aviemore to Nethy Bridge

Map

Abernethy National Nature Reserve
Click for a full description

The two main access points to this large Reserve are Loch Garten and Nethy Bridge. Loch Garten is two and a half miles from Boat of Garten and four miles from Nethy Bridge, and is linked to both villages by minor roads and the Speyside Way. Bus service 34 runs from Aviemore to both villages. In summer the Strathspey Steam Railway stops at Boat of Garten and Broomhill, one mile north of Nethy Bridge.

For visitors

Visit Dell Woods NNR leaflet

Our visit Dell Woods NNR leaflet is a good introduction to the reserve and includes a map of the trails.

Visitor centre

The visitor centre for Dell Woods is situated in the Nethy Bridge Community Centre. It is managed by a local community group, Explore Abernethy. 

Open March to November: 9:30am to 5pm.

Winter opening as above, weather permitting.

Learn about and explore the ancient Caledonian pine forest of Abernethy through a range of exhibits, including.

  • hands-on children’s activities
  • Touch Table
  • ‘Listening Post’
  • historical maps and photographs
  • wildlife and history library
  • information on paths

Toilets

There are toilets at the visitor centre, which are open 24 hours a day all year round.

There is a ramped access and one toilet has enough space for wheelchairs. It has grab rails and lever taps but no alarm.

Picnic areas

There is a picnic table at Dell Woods on the Kings Road Trail. This is at the end of Culvardie Road, about 700 metres from the car park.

Trails for all

The paths through Dell Woods are linked with the extensive network of paths around the village. They are maintained by Explore Abernethy.

There are three main trails through Dell Woods:

  • Riverside Trail – 2.5 kilometres
  • Puggy Line Trail – 4 kilometres
  • King’s Road Trail – 4.8 kilometres

Find descriptions and a map of the routes in the Visit Dell Woods leaflets. 

Seasonal highlights

You’re sure to find something of interest all year round at Abernethy.

Spring

Visit in spring for the carpet of woodland flowers, or to spot breeding woodland birds.

Summer

Wander along woodland paths and see butterflies and dragonflies darting in the sun. Immerse yourself in the scent of a pinewood in summer.

Autumn

Walk through the forest in autumn and be dazzled by the colours of the birch trees. Discover the rich variety of pinewood fungi beneath your feet.

Winter

Walk through the wonderland of a winter pinewood. Experience woodland and lochs locked in ice and muffled by snow and frost. If you’re lucky, you might spot a red squirrel among the ancient pine trees.

Find out more

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