Boat of Garten
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Boat of Garten is a small village and post town in Badenoch and Strathspey, Highland, Scotland.
The settlement took its name from the nearby ferry over the River Spey. The village as we see it today began with the arrival of the Highland Railway, when the first bridge was built. The village is known as "The Boat" to locals.
The village features a fine Golf Course originally designed by James Braid. It is also renowned for the nearby RSPB reserve at Loch Garten. The railway through the village was built by the Inverness and Perth Junction Railway. Latterly it was joined by the Strathspey Railway to Dufftown. Following closure, it is now preserved as part of the Strathspey Steam Railway.
As you enter the village from the west, you pass the village primary school. Many of the children cycle to school along the cycle path next to the main road - this is the Sustrans National Cycle Route 7.
Further down the road towards the village is a small bird viewing area that looks across the road to some seasonal lochans. Here, nest the rare Slavonian Grebe. May and June are the best months to watch these birds.
As you enter the village, tucked away to the right, is the new village hall, recently opened.
Now you pass the village green overlooked by houses from the 1950s on one side and older substantial villas on the other. At the bottom end of the green, is one of the village's two general purpose shops - this is M & B's - an Aladdin's Cave of a shop. Also here is the entrance to the year round camp and caravan site, which is very popular in season with tourers. Book ahead!
Across from M & B's is an entrance to the extensive woodland around the village. There are many signposted walks through here.
Close by is a newly opened bistro, Andersons (June 2007). This was formerly the fishing tackle shop - now sadly closed.
Moving down through the village, past St Columba's Church(1900), Moorfield House Guest House and several other substantial Victorian stone-fronted villas, we arrive at the second village shop and post office. Right next to the Post Office is the old village hall, now closed. Public toilets are behind here!
Cycle Route 7 splits here. An off road route passes SW along Kinchurdy Rd, past the Yard and runs parallel to the steam railway track towards Aviemore. A road option continues down through the village and crosses the river to eventually follow the "back road" to Aviemore via Inverdruie.
A short distance from the Post Office is the Boat Hotel and the main entrance to the Strathspey Steam Railway.
Past the hotel, the road descends past more large houses then arrives at a junction. Straight on lies Milton Loch and a birdwatching hide. Herons are often seen here along with tame geese and ducks. These appear from nowhere if you stop at one of the bench seats overlooking the loch. Swans are also a common feature. A little further on is the sawmill, the largest employer in the village.
Returning to the junction, the road passes under a new railway bridge. Built by Highland Council, this was erected to allow the steam railway line to leave the village and continue towards Grantown-on-Spey. For many years, the steam railway terminated in Boat of Garten.
Now leaving the village, you pass the car park entrance to both the steam railway and to the Golf and Tennis Club. Shortly after, the bridge, which replaced the original ferry boat, is crossed. In another half mile, the "back road" is reached, along with a small car park for more popular walks through woodland - this time belonging to the RSPB Abernethy Forest. Turn left here for the Loch Garten Osprey Centre and right for Inverdruie.
