Location & Activities at Glencoldon Cottage
Discover Boat of Garten — the “Osprey Village”
Boat of Garten, the “Osprey village”, is situated on the River Spey between the bustle of Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey, overlooking the Cairngorm mountains. The village is a peaceful haven at the centre of this spectacular wildlife and adventure area of the Cairngorms National Park.
Looking for something specific? Use the links below to jump directly to information on:
Location:
Boat of Garten Amenities |Getting to Glencoldon Cottage | Car-free Travel | Details on Bus, Train, Bike and Cycling
Activities:
Responsible Outdoor Access | Local Wildlife Activities | Outdoor Activities (cycling, wildswimming etc)| Local Events & Culture |Eating out + Local Produce
Staying in Boat of Garten — the Heart of the Cairngorms
Glencoldon Cottage is a short 10-15 min walk along the Speyside Way (Kinchurdy Road) to a variety of village amenities as listed below. The village itself offers a combination of tranquility, a wee bit off the beaten track, and easy access to activities and amenities, available on foot, bike, public transport and even on a steam train!
Boat of Garten Amenities:
- The Village Shop – with post office, fresh baked goods every morning, fresh produce from fruit and vegetables to dairy products vegetarian and vegan protein options (eg. tofu, Quorn) and most things you will ever need!
- Boat Country Inn & Restaurant – this is a pub that also serves food with outdoor and indoor seating.
- Anderson’s Restaurant – recommend to book, even on a weekday! It also offers takeaway pizza.
- 1986 Gallery – photography, art, exhibitions and workshops.
- Speyside Railway – the steam train on which you can even catch a light bite and ride.
- Access to bus stops – the 37 runs into Aviemore, for example, where you can link up with the train (see more info below)
Full Address: Glencoldon Cottage, Kinchurdy Road, Boat of Garten, Highland, Scotland, UK, PH24 3BP
Getting to Glencoldon Cottage & Getting Around Sustainably
Boat of Garten is located in one of the areas of the Cairngorms National Park most easily accessible by public transport, with nearby connections for bus and rail travel. The village lies six miles north east of Aviemore.
As we hold a Gold Award for Green Tourism for accommodation in the Cairngorms, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and reduce our collective carbon footprint. This means we encourage car-free travel wherever possible — and offer incentives to support this.
Car free travel – Green Tourism Discount
As the largest part of our remaining (indirect) carbon footprint comes from travel, we offer a Car-Free-to-Cairngorms discount for guests who arrive without a car.
If you’re travelling by public transport or active travel, this initiative supports our sustainability goals — which also gives details of vehicle rental and other travel options available once you have reached Aviemore.
How to get here on public transport?
You can usually take the local bus from Aviemore to Boat of Garten (number 37), which often aligns with train times into Aviemore. Or, if you’re up for it, the 5-mile cycle ride along the Speyside Way is another great option from Aviemore.
How to get around without a car at the cottage?
Once here, local buses go to many key spots in the Cairngorms (see below) — including Cairngorm Mountain — and the area is ideal for walking and cycling. The surrounding routes are a cycling haven! Please see our cycle-friendly info.
Information on transport by train, bus, bike, or car
By Rail & Steam Train
The closest rail link is Aviemore Station, just 6 miles away — with frequent mainline connections and a charming steam train route into the village itself.
- By Rail – Aviemore train services stop between Inverness and Glasgow, Edinburgh or Perth. Also, with daily direct trains from / to London. See options on: National Rail and Calendonian Sleeper
- By Speyside Steam Train – Boat of Garten to/from Aviemore or Broomhill, Nethy Bridge.
By Bus
Boat of Garten is on the main bus route (37), with connections from Aviemore and further afield — making public transport a reliable option year-round. From Aviemore, additional routes can take you into some of the main activity areas in the Cairngorms.
Timetables vary by season — the easiest way to plan is via TravelLineScotland.com.
- 37: (Only one through BoG) Inverness, Tomatin, Carrbridge, Dulnain Bridge, Grantown-on-Spey, Boat of Garten, Aviemore
- 31: Aviemore to Rothiemurchus, Glenmore Lodge, Loch Morlich, Cairngorm Mountain
- 32: Aviemore to Kingussie, Newtonmore; or Carrbridge, Inverness
By Bike or on foot
If you’re arriving under your own steam, the Speyside Way offers a beautiful traffic-free route from Aviemore directly to the cottage.
As the cottage is directly on the Speyside Way, we have made sure everything is available to allow cyclists the maximum enjoyment of this cycling-friendly haven, from clothes washing / drying facilities to purpose-built cycle store with shelter from the elements and high security.
Boat of Garten itself is also ideally situated for national and local cycling routes, and has a great bike rental shop available in the village too (Ride Cairngorms).
By Car
The cottage is easy to reach by road, with free parking and solar-powered EV charging available on site.
From the South (Edinburgh, Perth & the Central Belt)
From Perth, follow the A9 north toward Inverness. Just beyond Aviemore, take the exit signposted for Grantown-on-Spey / Carrbridge (A95). Then follow the signs to Boat of Garten.
From the North (Inverness & the Highlands)
From Inverness, take the A9 south. Exit at Carrbridge / Grantown-on-Spey, drive through Carrbridge, then turn left at the T-junction (A95). Take the next right turn for Boat of Garten.
Wider Exploring Ideas and Distance
For wider exploring, perhaps head towards the Great Glen or exploring the Moray Firth and Black Isle, Boat-of-Garten is well placed just off the national rail and road network (A9, A95). Please see below for a list of distances and key places from the Glencoldon Cottage.
| Place & Mode of Transport | Distance |
|---|---|
|
Aviemore (by car) |
7 miles |
|
Aviemore (by Speyside Way – walking / cycling) |
5 miles |
|
Cairngorms Mountain Base Station |
15 miles |
|
Loch Morlich + Glenmore Lodge |
11 miles |
|
Loch Garten |
3 miles |
|
Grantown on Spey |
9 miles |
|
River Spey |
800 m |
Activities
Firstly, to ensure your enjoyment when you’re out and about, please take some time to look over the newly updated guidance below on responsible access, covering many activities from walking and cycling to wild camping.
Enjoy direct access to forest trails from the garden gate — no need to walk along roads. These paths connect to the village, the River Spey, Loch Garten, and the RSPB Osprey Centre. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, deer, or even an osprey overhead.
Responsible Outdoor Access
Here in the Cairngorms National Park, there have also been consultations to find ways to help people understand responsible enjoyment of the Park. Visit Cairngorms has more detail here, but, essentially the 3 key messages are:
- Take responsibility for your own actions
- Respect the interests of other people
- Care for the environment.
For a huge amount of great information: Visit Cairngorms website (http://visitcairngorms.com) and the Boat of Garten website (http://www.boatofgarten.com) for range of local and wider afield activities.
Wildlife, Conservation & Nature
The surrounding landscape is a nationally important, wildlife-rich area. Diverse habitats and ongoing conservation work make the area both special and accessible for visitors, with opportunities to explore or even get involved. Just 8 miles from the cottage, Rothiemurchus offers one of the largest remaining swathes of Ancient Caledonian Forest. The local woods are also designated Special Protection Areas for red squirrels and the rare capercaillie — with around 75% of the UK’s population found in Strathspey, it’s a true stronghold for this iconic species.
- Rothiemurchus Forest – ancient Caledonian pine forest, home to capercaillie and red squirrels
- River Spey – a Special Area of Conservation, ideal for walking, otter spotting, and salmon watching
- Loch Garten – home of the UK osprey reintroduction project
Please visit our page dedicated to the wonderful wildlife at Glencoldon Cottage!
Wildlife & Bird Watching
Boat of Garten is one of the best places in Scotland to see ospreys in the wild. After becoming extinct in the UK, ospreys returned here in the 1950s and now breed each spring at Loch Garten Nature Reserve. The RSPB Osprey Centre offers the chance to view these magnificent birds up close, with live nest cameras when a resident pair is present.
- RSPB Osprey Centre, Loch Garten – World-famous hide that pioneered the UK osprey reintroduction in the 1970s. Walkable from the cottage (approx. 3 miles).
- Cairngorm Wildlife, Boat of Garten – Badger and wildlife hide experiences.
- Milton Loch Hides, managed by BoGWiG – Local community nature project.
- Speyside Wildlife – Specialist tours and hides, approx. 10 miles away.
Please visit our page dedicated to the wonderful wildlife at Glencoldon Cottage!
Outdoor Activities
Cycling
Glencoldon Cottage is a fantastic base for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re after scenic road rides, family-friendly off-road routes, or more adventurous terrain, you’ll find it all nearby. From peaceful village tracks to forest trails and local pump parks, there’s something for everyone — including younger riders.
🚵 Explore off-road woodland trails
🚴 Cycle quiet Highland roads with stunning views
📽️ Be inspired by world-class local rider Danny MacAskill — watch him ride the Cuillin Ridge and perform tricks at Boat of Garten station!
Also check out:
- Bike hire in the village via Ride Cairngorm
- Cycle maps: Boat of Garten Walking & Cycling Map (PDF)
Please see our page dedicated to the cycling haven here.
Walking & Hiking
There are unlimited options! Start with the trails around Boat of Garten. There is an All Abilities path here too, opened in 2021, which starts at the Community Hall and goes through the forest behind.
Equally, the River Spey itself is a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest – walking the banks, the abundance of wildlife is always a joy, often to the backdrop of the sound of leaping salmon or a woodpecker rattling some trees, but occasionally getting the chance to witness a family of otters going about their business would probably be a highlight of any nature-lovers year!
- Forest paths, all abilities trail, riverside walks, and hillwalking
- WalkHighlands – from easy to difficult, gives more specific information on access + routes, with maps + photos
- Visit Cairngorms offer route info and maps
Wild Swimming
Looking to dive into something invigorating during your stay? Glencoldon Cottage is surrounded by some of the Highlands’ most scenic wild swimming spots — from tranquil lochs to hidden riverside pools.
Top spots within a couple of miles include:
- Loch Garten – a peaceful, tree-lined loch perfect for a calm dip
- River Spey – crystal-clear waters and a beautiful secret bathing pool (look for the spot still marked as “Bathing Pool” on old maps!)
- Loch Vaa – a local favourite with calm, dark waters and a peaceful setting
💡 Did you know? The River Spey is one of the fastest-flowing rivers in Scotland — so always take care, especially after heavy rainfall.
Further afield but worth the journey:
- Loch Morlich – a Highland beach with soft sand and a watersports centre
- River Feshie – dramatic swimming spots with gullies, pools and mini waterfalls
Outdoor Adventure Parks
- Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge (4.5 miles)
- A brilliant family day out with treetop trails, a dinosaur kingdom, rollercoasters and water rides — all set within ancient pine forest.
- Cairngorms Activities, Grantown-on-Spey (7 miles)
- From archery and paddleboarding to bushcraft and kayaking, this local adventure centre offers a wide range of year-round activities for all ages and abilities.
- Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, Kincraig (14 miles)
- Set on the edge of a beautiful loch, this activity hub offers sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and more, with a cosy café and stunning views.
Local Events & Whats On
In Boat of Garten
- Events at the Community Hall include live music, local and international acts, guided walks, sports and ceilidhs
- Boat of Garten Events Guide – What’s On is a free monthly to what’s happening in the National Park and surrounding
At the National Park
Monthly listings + long-term calendars via Visit Cairngorms – What’s On
Arts & Culture
- 1896 Gallery, Boat of Garten – celebrating the amazing landscape of Scotland through Scottish based artists
- Creative Cairngorms – galleries & local crafts
- Events at the Boat of Garten – Community Hall
Local Produce & Eating Out
Whether you’re after a cosy pub meal, artisan coffee, or fresh local seafood, the Boat of Garten area and nearby Aviemore offer a great range of options for eating out — many of which focus on seasonal and locally sourced Scottish ingredients.
Restaurants & Pubs
Anderson’s Restaurant – Boat of Garten
A much-loved local restaurant committed to using seasonal Scottish produce. Now also serving pizza and offering takeaway.
👉 andersonsrestaurant.co.uk
The Old Bridge Inn – Aviemore
A rustic riverside pub with a creative menu and relaxed atmosphere. Known for its quality food and live music.
👉 oldbridgeinn.co.uk
The Winking Owl – Aviemore
Owned by Cairngorm Brewery, this relaxed pub offers hearty meals using local ingredients — perfect for post-adventure dining.
👉 thewinkingowl.co
Cafés
The View Café – Aviemore
Scenic views and great coffee, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
👉 theviewaviemore.co.uk
Osprey Coffee House – Boat of Garten
A warm, family-friendly café right in the heart of the village.
👉 Facebook (search for “Osprey Coffee House”)
Route 7 Café – Aviemore
Located right on the walking and cycling path between Boat of Garten and Aviemore — great for a pit stop.
👉 route7.co.uk
High Street Merchants – Grantown-on-Spey
A café-gallery-bar with great coffee and local art in the heart of Strathspey.
👉 Facebook (search for “High Street Merchants”)
Nethy House Café – Nethy Bridge
A popular spot just off the Speyside Way, known for its welcoming vibe and tasty food.
👉 nethyhouse.co.uk
Local Food & Drink Producers
Pro Fish – Aviemore
A top-quality fishmonger sourcing the best sustainable seafood — perfect if you’re cooking at the cottage.
👉 profishservices.co.uk
Cairngorm Brewery – Aviemore
Award-winning beers brewed right in the Cairngorms. Visit the tasting room or take some bottles home.
👉 cairngormbrewery.com
Contact Us
If you have any questions about your stay, need more information, or would like to discuss anything at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Please also check out our FAQ page.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 07968 177394