Nethy Bridge paths
Alert
The village of Nethy Bridge is nestled on the edge of Abernethy Forest. The name Abernethy means ‘the mouth of the River Nethy’ which flows through the centre of the village, converging with the River Spey. The forest was extensively harvested over hundreds of years and historically, the fast-flowing rivers were used to float the timber to sawmills or the coast.
A variety of well-established routes, including an all-abilities trail, suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, offer numerous opportunities to explore the forest, river, and historical sites.
The Castle Roy loop will take you back in time as you walk through the ruins of the 12th century fortress. Or if you like a bit of trainspotting, the Puggy Line trail is ideal, passing the Abernethy National Nature Reserve, the route follows an old logging railway line.
The Speyside Way long distance route passes through Nethy Bridge, linking the village to both Boat of Garten and Grantown-on-Spey, making for great longer walk or cycle in either direction.
The village of Nethy Bridge is nestled on the edge of Abernethy Forest. The name Abernethy means ‘the mouth of the River Nethy’ which flows through the centre of the village, converging with the River Spey. The forest was extensively harvested over hundreds of years and historically, the fast-flowing rivers were used to float the timber to sawmills or the coast.
A variety of well-established routes, including an all-abilities trail, suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, offer numerous opportunities to explore the forest, river, and historical sites.
The Castle Roy loop will take you back in time as you walk through the ruins of the 12th century fortress. Or if you like a bit of trainspotting, the Puggy Line trail is ideal, passing the Abernethy National Nature Reserve, the route follows an old logging railway line.
The Speyside Way long distance route passes through Nethy Bridge, linking the village to both Boat of Garten and Grantown-on-Spey, making for great longer walk or cycle in either direction.
Alert
Quick resources
Paths and trails
Need to know
We hope you enjoy exploring the trails around Nethy Bridge, but please do so responsibly. The National Park is a special place with rare wildlife, some of which is sensitive to disturbance. You can help protect the local wildlife by following all signs and keeping dogs close by and on a lead where requested.
Towns and villages
Relevant alerts
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There are only 532 capercaillie left in the UK. Over 85% of those birds live in a handful of forests in the Cairngorms National Park.
The species is protected under UK law, which makes it a criminal offence to disturb them whilst they are breeding. Breeding season lasts from 1 April to 31 August. Capercaillie need all our help to survive so please #LekItBe and don't go looking for capercaillie.
Latest update: Some male birds are displaying in prominent places near to other breeding capercaillie to attract the attention of females. Visitors are advised to take particular care as birds may also attack you as their testosterone levels are high. There have already been incidents of people being injured by the birds so please follow the signs in place for your own safety too.
In particular, members of the public are being advised not to use the following paths into Abernethy Forest from Glenmore and Nethy Bridge during early mornings (before 8.30am) over the next few weeks to avoid disturbing breeding capercaillie:
- Ryvoan Bothy to Forest Lodge path
- Vehicle access track to Forest Lodge
- Dell Road to Forest Lodge track
- Forest Lodge to Rynettin path
Additional information:
