Loch Garten - Loch Mallachie - Garten Wood

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
6.2 kms	02:00 (hrs:mins)	0 metres	Explorer 403: Cairn Gorm & Aviemore

Description

This walk begins at the car park at Loch Garten, about 0.8 kilometres from the RSPB Osprey Centre (alternative car parking is available there), and can be combined with a visit to the centre. The walk passes both Loch Garten and the smaller Loch Mallachie, both of which offer wonderful views. It continues in a large loop through mature Scots pine and birch forest, with the potential for good bird watching opportunities, including the localised Scottish Crossbill and Crested Tit.

The walk reaches a smaller car park (Garten Wood) at roughly mid-way, which can be used as an alternative starting point. A section of the walk from the car park is now part of the Speyside Way (Nethy Bridge to Boat of Garten section). Paths are generally good, although often muddy in places and navigation is straightforward, although the waymarking can be a little confusing. There are three waymarked trails in all, of 2.7, 3.2 and 6.2 kilometres respectively, each with a coloured waymark.

The Speyside Way section is also waymarked with the Scottish long distance path mark (a thistle). The walk is part of the RSPB Abernethy Forest Reserve, and access is open all year (the nearby Osprey Centre is open from May-September).

Access Info

No public transport, although there is a bus service (and a steam railway) from Aviemore to Boat of Garten, the nearest village. Car parking is available at a signposted car park on a minor road off the B970 at start of walk (follow signs for Loch Garten).

Additional Info

The RSPB Osprey Centre at Loch Garten is a popular visitor attraction in summer, when the ospreys are nesting. Live video feeds from the nest provide an intimate close up of the domestic habits of these superb birds.