Nethy Bridge
Drochaid Neithich
Alert
Nethy Bridge, referred to as ‘Nethy’ by locals, is a small village in the Strathspey region of the Cairngorms National Park.
The River Nethy runs through the village, flowing under its namesake bridge right in the centre. The bridge was built in 1810, and its three solid arches are a classic reflection of the work of famous Scottish civil engineer, Thomas Telford. Three other Telford bridges can be spotted throughout the village at Aultmore Burn, Duack Burn and on the golf course.
Multiple amenities serve the local population, including a farm shop, village store, café, primary school and community centre. Nethy Bridge’s convenient location between the towns of Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey means a broader range of shops is never far.
The village has a range of accommodation options, from hotels and B&Bs to hostels, which often fill up during the annual Abernethy Highland Games. Dancing to the beat of over 140 years of Scottish tradition, this event features Highland dancing, pipe bands, athletics and more.
The village’s rooted relationship with Abernethy Forest - one of the largest areas of Caledonian pine forest and home to the RSPB’s Loch Garten Nature Reserve - has also seeded another nickname for the community: The Forest Village. Sightings of some of Scotland's most elusive wildlife, such as crossbill, pine marten and red squirrels, are not uncommon here.
Also nearby is Castle Roy, a 12th-century fortress - once home to Clan Comyn - that reopened to the public in 2022 following 30 years of renovation work.
Nethy Bridge, referred to as ‘Nethy’ by locals, is a small village in the Strathspey region of the Cairngorms National Park.
The River Nethy runs through the village, flowing under its namesake bridge right in the centre. The bridge was built in 1810, and its three solid arches are a classic reflection of the work of famous Scottish civil engineer, Thomas Telford. Three other Telford bridges can be spotted throughout the village at Aultmore Burn, Duack Burn and on the golf course.
Multiple amenities serve the local population, including a farm shop, village store, café, primary school and community centre. Nethy Bridge’s convenient location between the towns of Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey means a broader range of shops is never far.
The village has a range of accommodation options, from hotels and B&Bs to hostels, which often fill up during the annual Abernethy Highland Games. Dancing to the beat of over 140 years of Scottish tradition, this event features Highland dancing, pipe bands, athletics and more.
The village’s rooted relationship with Abernethy Forest - one of the largest areas of Caledonian pine forest and home to the RSPB’s Loch Garten Nature Reserve - has also seeded another nickname for the community: The Forest Village. Sightings of some of Scotland's most elusive wildlife, such as crossbill, pine marten and red squirrels, are not uncommon here.
Also nearby is Castle Roy, a 12th-century fortress - once home to Clan Comyn - that reopened to the public in 2022 following 30 years of renovation work.
Alert
Nethy Bridge
key
facts
Elevation
310m
Location
NW
Location
Learn more about Nethy Bridge
Discover more about Nethy Bridge, a charming Strathspey village with a range of amenities, community groups, events and more.
Relevant alerts
-
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a wildfire warning impacting parts of the National Park from Wednesday 13 August until Tuesday 19 August. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue.
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you.
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity.
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely.
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999.
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.
-
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:
