Abernethy Forest Lochs from Boat of Garten

A walk to Loch Mallachie and Loch Garten from Boat of Garten. You can find more details about the route at These Vagabond Shoes blog.

From the station in Boat of Garten follow signage for the Speyside Way trail towards Nethy Bridge, crossing Garten Bridge on the way out of the village. Across the road junction is a small carpark where waymarked routes lead into the forest.

Follow the red route for approximately 1km, then take the right-hand track at the fork, heading south for just over 1km. At the next junction, take the narrow left-hand fork, and head in an easterly direction.  The path undulates and sweeps round to the southeast through the trees, towards Loch Mallachie. Follow the lochside, turning sharply north when you reach the last path to lead to Loch Garten, the bigger of the two lochs.

From the carpark at Loch Garten, you can make a diversion along the road for around 700m to the RSPB Osprey Centre. It's a must-do in spring, while the birds are sitting on their nest. Otherwise, follow the blue waymarking northwest alongside the road for a couple of kilometres to meet up with the Speyside Way.

Cross the road to follow a wooden walkway  on the edge of a small forest lochan for just over 150m.

From here there are two options: continue to follow the Speyside Way alongside the road back to the forest carpark, or pick up the forest trail with red waymarking just as you reach the first cottage on the road. The red route is just under 2km through the trees, and returns to the carpark where you entered the forest.

Retrace your route back over Garten Bridge and into Boat of Garten. There are a few cafes and coffee shops in the village where you can find refreshments, such as the Gashouse Café and Cairngorm Leaf & Bean, though some will close for the winter. There's also the Boat Country Inn if you need something stronger after your walk.