Nethy Bridge and Abernethy Nature Reserve

Saturday, 16th August 2025

30 Field Club members joined the bus trip to Nethy Bridge, on a warm and sunny August day.

Nethy Bridge is a small village ( with a very big hotel) about five miles south of Grantown-on-Spey. The river Nethy flows through it shortly before joining the Spey. The Speyside Way passes through the village, and there is also a network of paths within the Nature Reserve.

Forestry was an important industry in this area, and until the opening of the railway in 1863, the Spey and the Nethy were used to float timber down to the sawmills and the coast. The history of the village is explained and illustrated in the visitor centre.

We split into different groups on arrival. The most energetic took the Lettoch Trail, following the River Nethy upstream through the Lettoch Wood, for some great views of the Cairngorms. Others chose the circular riverside walk through the Dell Wood, with a detour to the Birch Wood and its pond. Others enjoyed a coffee and snack in the excellent cafe, and had a leisurely stroll by the river. There are walks available for all abilities, and all are well signposted.

We reassembled at about 4.30pm for a very good evening meal at the Nethy Bridge Hotel; very prompt and efficient service and good food. We returned to Elgin in the sunshine, arriving back at Lossie Green by 7.30pm