Riverside short accessible path - Nethy Bridge

The Nethy Bridge riverside path is a lovely route running alongside the River Nethy. The first quarter mile of the route, up to the third bench, is accessible for all and this section is described in further detail below:

Start / finish: Nethy Bridge Community and Visitor Centre.

Path: flat throughout and over a metre wide. The surface is compacted, fine gravel and is firm and smooth. There are no steps or barriers.

The path is clear throughout and signposted at the start, but there is no sign to indicate where to turn around - this is at the third bench (overlooking the beach / river). Although the path continues beyond this point, it no longer meets the accessible standard as there are three slopes slightly steeper than the accessible criteria.

Resting places: there are three wooden benches with backrests along this section of the riverside trail.  One at the start, a second one 300m along, and the final one just another 20m further.

Parking: there are two marked disabled bays outside the Community and Visitor Centre. These are wider than typical bays but have no surrounding crosshatching.  
Parking is also available alongside and behind the community centre, or on-street parking.

Public transport: there is a bus stop near the start of the route: the stop for eastbound buses (from Aviemore) is 120m away with a shelter and perch, and the stop for westbound buses (from Grantown) is 140m away, with a shelter and bench.

Toilets: Visitor centre (entrance around the left-hand side of the building) - wheelchair accessible toilet with ramp access. Signposted from the front of the building.

• Nethy Bridge Riverside accessible trail Barnaby Fogg

  

  
• A wooden bench on the Riverside Trail Barnaby Fogg

  

  
• Nethy Bridge Riverside accessible trail Barnaby Fogg

  

  

Route description:

• From the Community and Visitor Centre, cross the road to the start of the path along the riverbank. The start is marked by two wooden panels with a map and waymarking arrows.
• Follow the path with the river on your left (there are no junctions).
• When you reach the third bench which overlooks a small beach and river pool (around 320m / 0.2 miles along), this is the point to turn around and return the way you came. NB the turnaround point is not marked.
• The riverside trail continues beyond this point, but the path no longer meets the ‘accessible’ standard – it becomes slightly steeper, narrower in places and a bit rougher underfoot with some raised tree roots. The rest of the path is classified as an ‘easy’ trail. Read more about the Nethy Bridge riverside trail.