The Abernethy Forest is situated within the Cairngorm national park between the Boat of Garten and the Village of Nethy Bridge, The forest is remnant of the magnificent Caledonian forest and is a RSPB reserve. The Caledonian Forest is a type of woodland that covered many parts of Scotland in years gone by, now unfortunately only 1% of this remarkable forest remains today.
There is around 4,000 hectares of forest that makes the RSPB protected reserve and just less than 50% of this is the native Caledonian Forest, the Abernethy Forest is one of the largest remaining sections of Caledonian forest in Scotland.
The Forest is home to many of Scotland’s rarest animals and Birds but is most famous for the loch Garten ospreys that return to the forest each summer to breed, you can visit the Loch Garten osprey centre every year between April and late August and it is well worth a visit. Within the centre is an excellent visitor centre with well versed staff ready to answer your questions not just about Ospreys but the forest as a whole. An excellent display of webcams and binoculars to view the ospreys are available at the visitor centre giving you great views of the nest and the many antics of the Ospreys, overall it is a great day out and very memorable.
Abernethy Forest Scotland
Other rare breeds of animals and birds can be seen in the forest include the very rare Scottish Crossbill, the elusive Scottish Wildcat and Pine Martens, Capercaillie also roam the forest and guided trips from the RSPB can be arranged to view these fantastic birds. Also seen in the forest are Black grouse, crested tits, Red squirrel and Deer. You will also see many other species of birds within the forest and water birds around the Lochs.
Loch Garten in the centre of the reserve is a stunning Loch surrounded by green Caledonian forest and is easily accessible from the side of the forest road and various parking places are available throughout the area. There are many trails and paths for excellent walks and the views are amazing from the lochs banks, close by you have the beautiful village of Nethy Bridge where you will find local shops and a Hotel, the village is also an excellent base to explore the area and there are many cottages to rent for your holidays, close by there are also great caravan and lodge parks that offer comfortable accommodation.
Overall the area is of outstanding beauty and will defiantly cater for those who love to watch wildlife, the area also offers lots more to do with the estates of Rothiemurchus and Glenmore not to far away, and Aviemore is only a short distance from the Forest, and is a great base for people who like to have adventure holidays with lots of watersports and mountain activities all available within the Cairngorm National park.
Abernethy Forest Loch Garten
January 13, 2012
Things To Do, Wildlife