Look out for Red Squirrels scampering up trees and listen for the trill of Crested Tits as you explore the magical Caledonian forest. Visit our Nature Centre before heading out for great views over the loch.
The wildlife-rich Caledonian pineforest of Loch Garten and Abernethy is like no other forest in the UK. Huge, Gnarled, lichen-encrusted Scots pine trees flank the land, interspersed with Blaeberry, Juniper, Rowan, Birch and Heather.
Visit during spring and summer and spot breeding Osprey, Crested Tits, Red Squirrels, Bank Voles, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Siskins and Common Lizards among the Caledonian forest wildlife.
On warm summer days, look out for dragonflies and damselflies, including White Faced-darter and Four-spotted Chaser. On the forest floor,wood ants nests contain up to 250,000 ants – some of our nests are a metre tall.
At dusk, the arrival of Wild Greylag and Pink-footed Geese on Loch Garten is an exhilarating display in autumn and winter.
Help to protect this special place by only parking in dedicated areas. Parking on verges causes an obstruction and damages this amazing forest.
- 52 spaces.
- 3 Blue Badge spaces.
- Capacity for one coach.
- Free parking.
- Natural lighting only.
- No height restrictions.
- Ten 'Sheffield-type' bicycle stands (space for 20 bikes)
- Drop-off at the Centre can be arranged for those with mobility problems.
Accessible all gender composting toilet with child-friendly seat and baby changing facilities
For further access information please check our AccessAble guide.
Located in accessible toilet.
The track up to the centre is 250m, compacted hard surface, with slight inclines.
The track up to the centre is 250m, compacted hard surface, with slight inclines.
For further access information please check our AccessAble guide.
You can borrow a manual assisted wheelchair from the Nature Centre welcome kiosk. We recommend you contact us to book this in advance.
Accessible all gender composting toilet with child-friendly seat and baby changing facilities.
BBQ's are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. BBQ's and fires are not permitted on this reserve at any time.
Between April 1 and August 31 you must keep dogs on a lead to protect ground-nesting birds, including capercaillie in the forest and dotterel on the high tops. Please keep dogs away from the loch during spring and summer, as it contains breeding birds. Dogs are not permitted at the Nature Centre, except assistance dogs.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Discover exciting events all year at Loch Garten. Join us for out Operation Osprey Experience.
The Nature Centre is open daily from 1 April until 31 October, and our trails are always open for you to enjoy this amazing forest.
For accessibility information please check our AccessAble guide.
We know that Loch Garten is a special place for many. If you or your loved one have shared happy memories there, you can make a donation to the reserve on our dedication page. It can be in celebration or in memory, and you can post an image along with your message.
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
New to Holidaycottages.co.uk portfolio of handpicked self-catering holiday cottages is the Showcase Collection: Near RSPB Reserves. At these extraordinary homes, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of RSPB reserves and get up close to some of the UK’s most cherished native wildlife.
Our live cameras consist of the Osprey zoom camera, live bird feeder or the live Osprey nest camera.