Boat of Garten travel guide

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 throught 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 1950's 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 Aladdins 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! (...) more....