The Definitive Guide To Nethy Bridge | Where To Stay, Eat + Visit

Scotland

Nov 7

Tucked away in the Cairngorms National Park, Nethy Bridge is a little forest paradise that embodies everything I love about the Scottish Highlands.

A popular haven for city dwellers, Nethy Bridge is a place perfect for weekend getaways and lodge staycations. It is a village of century-old cottages, quaint eateries, hiking paths, farm shops, and the most beautiful woodland trails.

I first visited Nethy Bridge on the Speyside Way and I fell a little in love with this charming village. Nethy Bridge is such a pretty and friendly place - I didn’t want to leave. Yet this little village remains largely under the radar of most people visiting the Cairngorms who often choose the larger Cairngorms town of Aviemore instead.

But then again, I understand why; those who visit, and the lucky few who live here, want to keep it to themselves.

Ready to visit Nethy Bridge? Here’s everything you need to know.

Things to do in Nethy Bridge

Abernethy Forest: The leafy forest at Nethy Bridge is one of my favourite places to go walking in the Cairngorms. The forest here is the largest remaining section of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, offering some of the most beautiful trails in all of Scotland. My advice is to follow your feet through the woodland but this walk is a good place to start.

Speyside Way: The trail between Nethy Bridge and Boat of Garten is a beautiful section of the long-distance Speyside Way. It’s around 11km / 17 miles long and takes roughly 4-hours to walk, along forest trails. You can easily return from Boat of Garten on the local bus.

Castle Roy: Hilltop Castle Roy is situated just outside the village and it’s a must visit from Nethy Bridge. Drive the short distance or follow this walk to the ruins of the 12-century castle, where you’ll also find a very friendly ginger highland cow.

Loch Garten & Osprey Centre: Tucked away in Abernethy Woods is the very pretty Loch Garten Nature Reserve, home to a lovely loch, waymarked forest trails, and heaps of wildlife. In spring and summer you may spot the rare capercaillie, red squirrels, and dragonfly amongst the trees. Also visit the nature centre to see stunning Osprey, currently being reintroduced here by the RSPB.

Highland Games: Every August the local community and visitors gather for the annual Highland Games. You’ll find activities, competitions, music, and food in the public park. Make sure you’re there for the massed pipe bands when the bands march through town.

Day trips: Nearby you’ll find the town of Aviemore, with access to the ski slopes and hiking trails high in the Cairngorm Mountains. There’re heaps of easy walks too, cafes, and lively nightlife. Also within easy reach is the quaint villages of Boat of Garten, Kincraig, and Tomintoul - each have walking trails to follow and lovely cafes.

Many of these villages can be visited on the Speyside Way, on either foot or by cycling.

Where to stay in Nethy Bridge

There are so many fantastic places to stay in Nethy Bridge, ranging from cosy self-catering lodges to small hotels, and everything in between. I would love to stay for longer! Here are my favourite places to stay in Nethy Bridge:

Nethy Station: this stunning lodge is all about the aesthetic - and it is seriously beautiful. The rooms and open plan common areas are luxurious, with big windows looking out over Cairngorms countryside. This unique lodge was once the old village railway station - built in 1853, it’s recently been refurbished and inside is immaculate. Highlights include a BBQ, wood burning stove, and charming original features. Nethy Station sleeps 8 people across 4 bedrooms, check availability here.

Other lodge options for group stays nearby include the equally wonderful Riverside Lodge and Foresters Lodge.

Highland Shepherd Huts: A collection of gorgeous shepherd huts and converted horseboxes, this is glamping at its most luxurious. Inside each hut is individually styled and beautifully designed, and utterly charming. Highlights include outdoor showers, top quality linens, wood burning stoves, and panoramic views. Highland Shepherd Huts are perfect for couples.
The Dell of Abernethy: This woodland retreat is a collection of gorgeous cottages & apartments in various sizes, from one to four bedrooms. Each is beautifully designed, with luxury touches and thoughtful details like wood burners, cocktail cabinets, record players, and fire pits. Perfect for groups and romantic breaks, The Dell is a wonderful Nethy Bridge stay.
Taigh M'Athair: A rustic lodge with 2-bedrooms that is perfect for families or small groups. Bedrooms are comfortable, common areas spacious and cosy, and the lodge features a private garden with gorgeous forest views. If you’re looking for self-catering, spend a few nights in Taigh M'Athair.
Ptarmigan: This glamping pod is all about the views and is seriously cosy. Inside is spacious, with a double bed, fully equipped kitchenette, dining area, and a balcony with stunning rural views. Couples will love staying in Ptarmigan.
Nethybridge Hotel: If you’re looking for a traditional hotel, Nethybridge Hotel is located in the heart of the village and offers comfortable rooms.

Where to eat in Nethy Bridge

Nethy House: Serving delicious coffee, homemade cakes, traditional breakfasts, and heaty sandwiches, this is an amazing place to eat. If you’re visiting Nethy Bridge and looking for a sweet treat, brunch or lunch, Nethy House is the perfect choice.
Mountview: A beautiful hotel in Nethy Bridge, the restaurant is renowned for its quality food. Dishes like slow cooked venison pie, beetroot, and goats cheese tart, and pan seared hake, are made using locally sourced ingredients.
* At time of writing, Mountview restaurant is open to residents only but it’s due to open to non-residents shortly; check their website for details.
Nethy Bridge Hotel: A simple but delicious menu of crowd-pleasing favourites like burgers, fish & chips, and steak. Inside is cosy with log fires and big windows and in summer you can sit outside with views of the Cairngorms.
Balliefurth Farm Shop: This little farm shop sells a selection of meat from their farm, locally grown veg, snacks, deli produce, and more. Perfect for anyone staying in a lodge and looking to cook up a storm.

When to visit Nethy Bridge

I can confirm that summer in Nethy Bridge is gorgeous, but it isn’t the only time to visit.

Nethy Bridge is just as perfect in the shoulder seasons, in spring and autumn. The benefit of the shoulder seasons are quieter roads and more accommodation, whilst cafes and restaurants are easier to reserve.

Personally, I have a soft spot for the Cairngorms in autumn when the colours are especially vibrant, with every cafe offering hot chocolates.

However, the winter months in the Cairngorms are also magical. When the snow falls and the air is crisp, Nethy Bridge, and the surrounding villages, are postcard perfect. Plus, the ski runs in nearby Aviemore are open and pubs serve festive mulled cider.

The shoulder months are also the perfect time for a lodge stay, especially one with a roaring fire.

Check the Nethy Bridge weather before your trip, so you know what to pack.