5 Things We Love About Boat of Garten

It’s only a stone’s throw from the busy shops of Aviemore but Boat of Garten seems to have its own thing going on. Quiet, quaint and full of Highland community spirit, this village is well worth a visit if you’re in the Cairngorms. Wander along the beautiful banks of the Spey, have a pint at The Boat Country Inn, cycle along the Speyside way, or head to Loch Garten for a dip. Here are five things we love about Boat.

The village shop

From the outside it looks like a fairly average shop, but go inside and you’ll find a rabbit warren of shelves, stocked to the rafters with Scottish produce. It’s also got a great selection of ingredients from all sorts of cuisines – ideal if you’re planning to try a ‘simple’ Ottolenghi recipe. Whether you’re after fresh bread and pastries, or fresh fruit and veg, you’ll get it here. There’s even a post office counter, which is handy.

The Strathspey Railway

This 10-mile section on the original Highland Railway line was restored and brought back to life in 1978 by a dedicated group of volunteers. The iconic steam train travels between Aviemore and Broomhill, via Boat of Garten, and will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. Steam whistles will blow, carriage doors will be slammed shut and there will be a familiar click-clack rhythm of the train along the track. Have a look at the website for ticketing options, including Sunday Luncheon and Afternoon Tea on board. 

The Osprey Village

A pair of ospreys have been returning to their nest on Loch Garten every year since 1959, hence the nickname ‘The Osprey Village’. The Loch Garten Osprey Centre, run by the RSPB, is a bird-watching facility that provides numerous binoculars and telescopes for public use. The Abernethy Forest RSPB reserve, where the centre is located, is among the largest nature reserves in Europe.

Loch Garten 

As well as being home to two nesting Ospreys, Loch Garten and its neighbouring Loch Mallachie, are two of the most beautiful lochs in the Cairngorms National Park. Head there on a bike to try out the easy trails, bring a towel and swimming costume to dip in the tranquil waters, or just walk along the well-kept forest paths for a gentle stroll in the Abernethy Forest.

The Speyside Way

The whole Speyside Way runs from Buckie on the shore of the Moray Firth coast, south-westwards to Aviemore, a distance of approximately 65 miles. But the bit we’re talking about is a 6-mile stretch between Aviemore and Boat of Garten, which is prefect for an afternoon cycle or walk (and a stop in the pub on either side). It’s an easy jaunt, without any major hills, and takes you across some beautiful scenery as you travel between these two Highland hotspots.  

*banner photo by @roanlavery