Explore Abernethy
Explore Abernethy is a community organisation, set up to help you enjoy the nature and history in and around Nethy Bridge and Abernethy Forest. It looks after a network of paths as well as running the Visitor Centre, and holiding a programme of summer talks and history walks.
Ranger Service
Why not drop into the Visitor Centre for a catch up with the Community Ranger on all the wildlife action, the best ways to explore the area, and current local and Park wide Ranger events.
Sarah White, our Community Ranger can be found in the Visitor Centre and out and about on the trails at various times. Feel free to contact her with any questions.
Contact details
Sarah White
Community Ranger
email: sarah.white@rspb.org.uk
mobile: 07771 704 440
RSPB Community Ranger Facebook Page
Path Network
There is a well-established and maintained network of paths in and around the village, from short strolls on all abilities trails close to the Community Centre to longer walks through the lovely pine woods nearby. The paths are generally low level with minimal gradients and range from 1.5 miles (2.5km) to 5 miles (8km) in length. Each path is waymarked with its own symbol and colour for easy route finding.
These include:
- The Riverside Trail – sponsored by Nethy Bridge Stores
- The Riverside Link Path – sponsored by Abernethy Bunkhouse, Nethy Station
- The Wilderness Trail – sponsored by Balnagowan Mill Holiday Cottage
- The Puggy Line Trail – sponsored by the Mountview Hotel
- The Broomhill Trail – sponsored by Balliefurth Farm
- The Castle Roy Loop – sponsored by the Nethy Bridge Hotel
- The King’s Road – sponsored by Nethy Bridge Community Centre
- The Backharn Trail – sponsorship vacancy
- The Lettoch Walk – sponsorsed by The Lazy Duck Eco-homestead and Huts
Trail maps are available from the Visitor Centre and Nethy Bridge Stores for £1. A PDF version can be downloaded here >>
A Trails Pack with illustrated and written descriptions of each walk is available from the Visitor Centre and is only £2 including post cards.
Footpath updates:
Broomhill
Flooding at the Broomhill bridge end of the path is usual following heavy rain or when the Nethy & Spey are in spate. However, its still worth a walk along the trail to see the rivers flowing fast and high! Look out for dippers and signs of otter.
Bacharn
The Allt Mor footbridge is closed until further notice. To avoid the bridge, start your walk from Castle Roy car park
Castle Roy Loop
To complete both loops of this trail is not advised as the footbridge over the Allt Mor is closed. Use of the bridge is at your own discretion. Please take care.
Explore Abernethy Events
A range of events are organised every year, including our popular summer evening talks programme covering a host of fascinating topics, from our amazing wildlife to our rich cultural heritage and personal stories told by local characters. A guided local history walk takes place at least once a year and you can chat to the Community Ranger and volunteers at our stand at other Nethy Bridge Events.
See the events calendar for details of Summer Talks and other events.
About Explore Abernethy
We are a small organisation run entirely by a local committee and a group of volunteers. Our aim is to celebrate and promote the natural and cultural heritage of the village and its surroundings for visitors and local people alike. We rely on the generosity of funders, sponsors and public donations to cover the on-going costs of maintaining the path network and running the Visitor Centre for all to enjoy.
We are also currently aiming to raise around £20,000 to replace the Allt Mor bridge – all contributions, large or small will help us achieve this ambitious tartet.
If you would like to help through a donation, you can:
- Put a donation in the box in the Visitor Centre
- Spondor a path (one vacancy at present)
- Become a ‘Friend of Explore Abernethy’ through regular donations
Please contact Elspeth Grant for more details elspeth29@aol.com
Get Involved
If you live locally or regularly spend time in the area, why not join our friendly group of Explore Abernethy volunteers and supporters?
Our volunteer group helps a few times a month with practical tasks such as trail checking, minor maintenance work and manning stalls at local events. Contact the Community Ranger sarah.white@rspb.org.uk for more details.
Our Management Committee meet every two months and welcome enquiries from anyone who is interested in finding out more about volunteering on the Committee, or any other aspect of Explore Abernethy. Contact our Chairperson Jane Lilley thelilleyfamily@hotmail.com
Explore Abernethy Visitor Centre
Call in at the Visitor Centre for details of the path network in and around Nethy Bridge, information about the nature and history of the area, and much more.
FREE ENTRY, open daily 9.30 – 5.00 throughout the year, weather permitting
Nethy Bridge Community Centre
We are grateful to the listed businesses and organisations, without which it would not be possible to run a community website.
A charitable company limited by guarantee
Registered charity number: SC 012389
Company registration number: SC 379387
Registered Office
Post Office
Nethy Bridge
Inverness-shire
PH25 3DA
Scotland