Nethy Bridge is ideal as a touring centre and to take advantage of the main activities in the area, or maybe just to relax and enjoy the scenery and the Highland way of life. Fishing, golf, skiing, pony trekking and water sports are a few among many sports that are well catered for.

If you like walking or cycling there is an excellent network of way-marked woodland paths and riverside trails to be found in the Abernethy area, including the Speyside Way. Besides the Strathspey Steam Railway - shown here - there is the recently built Funicular Railway to speed you to the top of Cairngorm.

Whatever your choice you can be sure of a Highland welcome

Wild places and wild animals abound in the area. However, to get the best from a short stay it is advisable to seek professional assistance by visiting a custom-built hide or hiring a guide.

RSPB Loch Garten Osprey Centre. (tel - 01479 831768)
Boat of Garten is the place where the recovery of the Scottish osprey population began fifty years ago and it remains at the very heart of osprey country. The Loch Garten osprey centre provides ideal viewing conditions and there is a permanent staff on hand to brief visitors on the latest happenings at the nest. There is also a well stocked shop.

Strathspey Badger Hide (www.highlandbadgers.net - tel 01479 831768)
The hide is very close to an old badger sett and badgers are almost guaranteed to be seen. A host of other animals and birds also sometimes visit the hide area including otters, pine martens, goldeneye ducks and ospreys. Booking is by arrangement over the phone or by email.

Speyside Wildlife Hide (tel - 01479 812498
The hide is near Lochan Eilean at Rothiemurchus and groups are taken there most eveings. Pine Martens are seen during almost every visit and you can book and pay in advance on the website