Ancient, wild & immeasurably special, Abernethy contains ancient Caledonian pineforest, moorland, wetland, mountain and Loch Garten Osprey Centre.
Reaching from the River Nethy to the top of Ben Macdui (Britain’s second highest mountain), it boasts ancient Caledonian pineforest, sweeping moorland, vital wetland and dramatic mountains. Not to mention the world-famous Loch Garten Osprey Centre.
Opening times
The wider reserve and woodland trails are open all year-round. Please access the reserve responsibly.
The centre is open daily from 10am - 6pm (last entry at 5pm), between 1 April and the first Sunday in September.
Facilities
- Visitor centre
- Car park
- Toilets
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing
- Pushchair friendly
- Refreshments
- Picnic area
- Guided walks
- Viewing point
- Nature trails
- Shop
- Educational facilities
Access to facilities
Visitor centre
- The Centre is 275 m from the car park, up a hard-surface, compacted track with slight inclines. There are two benches positioned at intervals along the track.
- The main entrance/exit to the centre is step-free and access around the centre itself is all on one level.
- There is wooden seating in the Centre.
- Spotlight lighting.
- Some written information.
- Staff always present during opening hours.
Nature trails access
- The track up to the centre is 250m, compacted hard surface, with slight inclines.
- Three waymarked trails with no stiles or gates: Big Pines - 0.5 miles/0.8 km - linear trail, compacted forest soils, with tree roots, slight inclines and potential muddy sections; Two Lochs - 1.7 miles/2.7km circular trail, compacted forest soils, with tree roots, slight inclines and potential muddy sections; Part of the Speyside Way 3.5km / 2.5 miles, compacted loose surface with some steep sections.
- Large-print information display boards.
Viewing points
- Fixed binoculars and telescopes at various heights.
- No hearing loop, but staff give regular oral presentations.
Picnic area
- Two picnic benches, one with a designated wheelchair bay, and several garden benches.
Dogs
- Dogs are not allowed entry to the Osprey Centre, except Assistance Dogs.
- Between April 1 and August 15 you must keep dogs on a lead to protect ground-nesting birds, including capercaillie. Please keep dogs away from the loch during spring and summer as it contains breeding birds.
Educational facilities
- All sessions are Risk Assessed.
Additional accessibility information
- There are future plans to exploring making a section of The Two Lochs trail more accessible.
Download full accessibility statement (PDF)
