Overview

An expedition to find the trails of the National Nature Reserve. We had mixed views about or visit here as it was great for my visually impaired pal but pretty difficult for me as a wheelchair user. The terrain had too many difficult spots to overcome and I did eventually give up.

Transport & Parking

The start of our woodland adventures was by the Youth Hostel in Aviemore. A pretty handy spot as it’s still in the village and not far from the railway station. Visitors to the Reserve are allowed to park in the Youth Hostel’s car park and the trail into the Reserve started from here. A typical woodland path with compacted surface but challenged by the odd tree root and drainage channel.

Access

We had high hopes of the National Nature Reserve as the literature talked of an accessible trail. Unfortunately for us the journey from the Youth Hostel car park down to the underpass that took you to the start was too challenging as a wheelchair user. I think it was a case of some maintenance is required to event out the tree roots that have grown up through the path and some work on the broken drainage challenge that impeded progress.

Toilets

There are no toilets on the trail itself but the Youth Hostel does have toilets although it was not clear if these included an accessible toilet.

Staff

The trails are walkways so there were no staff.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The trail does have an audio guide and you use your mobile to phone a dedicated number. An information board a short distance from the tunnel going under the A9 road gives the number and details of how to access the guide.

Photos