Access guide: Nethy Bridge

Nethy Bridge often referred to locally as simply 'Nethy' or the Forest Village is located on the edge of Abernethy forest, 11 miles North East of Aviemore.

Abernethy started off as a village for the foresters who cut timbers and floated them down the River Nethy to the Spey, onward to Speymouth and ships to all over the UK.

When the railways came in Victorian times the village was renamed 'Nethybridge', as there was already a busy rail station called Abernethy just South of Perth.

The village streets wind along the edge of the river Nethy and around the edges of the forest. The footpaths are not continuous and there are few dropped kerbs, so it's a bit tricky for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. It's also quite hilly in places.

The centre of the village has two shops, a cafe and a large traditional highland hotel. There is a community centre there adjacent to playing fields and tennis courts. The community is lively and hosts a small museum and many events at the community hall. There is an active Church of Scotland and also a former Free Church building which is maintained by the community and hosts occasional events.

There is a selection of guest houses and self catering accommodation as well as the hotel.

Abernethy Golf Club on the edge of the town has a challenging and welcoming 9 hole course. There is a cafe here during the season.

Bus services 37 and X37 link the village to Boat of Garten and Aviemore to the South and Grantown, Carrbridge and Inverness to the North.

The rail line has long gone but is now the route for the Speyside Way, a long distance walking and cycling route which passes through the village. The remnants of the line can be accessed from Broomhill Station, about a mile from the village, with heritage trains to Boat of Garten and Aviemore.

There are numerous walks in Abernethy Forest. Just North of the town there is the remains of the 12th Century Castle Roy, built by clan Comyn. The Speyside Centre is close by, offering a garden centre with a gift shop and cafe.