The forest surrounding Loch Garten is ancient and thriving. Visitors can experience Scottish nature here just as it should be.
It is a haven of pure life: the forest surrounding Loch Garten. Here stand ancient Scottish red spruces, their branches adorned with blue-green lichen. Beneath them grow blueberries, juniper, rowan, birch and heather.
Small animals frolic amongst the branches: birds and squirrels. Above the treetops, ospreys fly from their nests in the trees towards the River Spey.
Anyone wishing to explore this paradise will find a car park and a visitor centre in the heart of the forest. For a few pounds’ admission fee, you can sit here and observe the osprey pair’s nest through a camera or the binoculars and spotting scopes provided.
However, it is not certain whether the nest is in use or not. During our visit, it remained empty.
But through the many windows, other animals can be observed. The bustling activity behind the panes captivates the onlookers.
Woodpeckers, siskins, squirrels and other animals can be seen from here. A small exhibition in the centre helps visitors understand the nature outside. There are also toilets here for day-trippers.
However, if you can, you should also explore one of the beautiful hiking trails in the region.
Two Lochs Trail: Hiking at Loch Garten
From the car park at the nature centre, you can set off on a walk between the two lochs, Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie. It is about 5 kilometres long and takes around 1.5 hours.
The paths are wide and well-maintained. However, it is also worth taking the side paths along the lochs. In that case, however, sturdy footwear and sure-footedness are essential.
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More InformationWalkers are rewarded with views of Loch Garten itself and the foothills of the Cairngorms beyond.
On the circular route, walkers immerse themselves in the magnificent natural surroundings. Its beauty also attracts overnight guests.
Camping at Loch Garten: Please be responsible
The car parks in particular are frequented by campervans and motorhomes at night. However, there are no suitable supply and disposal points here.
And even more importantly: when the forest is dry, even the flame from a camping stove can start a fire. That is why fire extinguishers are sometimes placed near typical camping spots.
The park management is relying on common sense and asks that no more than five campervans park in any one car park. Unfortunately, we have seen for ourselves that this rule is not always followed.
Directions
With a sat-nav: “PH25 3HA” takes you straight to the nature reserve.
Without sat-nav: Drivethrough the village of Boat of Garten and turn left at the station, then take the next right under the railway line. The road meets a T-junction where the nature reserve is already signposted with a brown sign. Turn left here and take the next right into the forest. Follow the road, past the shore of Loch Garten, then turn left into the car park.
There is also a small information centre right by the car park, which collects the entrance fee.
