Five things to do in Nethybridge

With the River Nethy flowing through its centre and the Abernethy Forest right on its doorstep 'the forest village' is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. Nethybridge is positioned halfway between Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey and is set within the dramatic backdrop of the Cairngorm Mountains. Want to know what to see and do in this little slice of the Highlands? We’ve rounded up our five favourite things to get you started.

1. Visit the Balliefurth Farm Shop

This is always our first stop when we get to Nethybridge. We love stocking up on all the lovely local produce. As well as being a long-established butcher dating back to 1948, it stocks fresh fruit and veg, herbs and spices, and lots of delicious sauces, snacks and ingredients to get your larder looking delightful. If you’re keen to shop local, the beef and lamb comes directly from the Balliefurth Farm located a few miles out of the village.

2. Have a stroll along the Footpath Network

This is a network of well-maintained paths that are generally low-level and with minimal gradient – great for walking with the kids. The paths weave in and around the village and vary from short strolls close to the Community Centre to longer walks through the ancient pine woods nearby. Each path has a marker with its own symbol and colour for easy navigation. You can get trail maps from the Visitor Centre and Nethybridge Stores for £1.

3. Pop into Nethy House Café for a wee treat

If homemade soups, sandwiches and great cakes are your thing, then make sure you call into this quaint little café in the heart of Nethybridge. Relax in front of the wood burner with a barista coffee made from the Glen Lyon Roastery beans, or in the summer months, catch the best of the sun in the outside seating area. Well-behaved dogs also welcome!

4. Visit the Old Kirk and the Medieval Castle Roy

Positioned one mile north of the village and dating back to the 1770s, the Old Kirk is a beautifully maintained, community-owned Kirk with a fascinating history. When the Kirk was no longer required by the Church of Scotland Trustees in 2009, the Abernethy Old Kirk Association was formed to save the historic building for the use of the community.

Castle Roy is a 12th century fortress set on a small glacial mound close to the Old Kirk. It has been associated with the clans of Mar, Comyn, Stewart and Grant. Carbon dating of 1190-1220 indicates that it is among the oldest masonry fortifications in Scotland.

5. Call in at the Grantown East: Highland Heritage and Cultural Centre

It may not have the catchiest name, but this beautifully renovated railway station explores the history of the Speyside railway line and its importance to the local community. Opened exactly 50 years after the closure of the Speyside line in November 1968, it takes you on a fascinating journey back in time. Drop in to shop for Scottish handcrafted treasures and let the kids enjoy the miniature railway which goes over the former bed track and through the woods.

For more info on any of the above, pop into the Explore Abernethy Visitor Centre, which has introductions to the area through activities for children, maps and much more. Open from 9.30am to 5.00pm from 1st April to 31st October, and 10.00am to 4.00pm from 1st November to 31st March.