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Wow factor
Accessibility
Photo potential
Insh Marshes
| Directions: |
From Aviemore, take the B9152 south-west to Kincraig. Join the B970 and head south-west towards Insh village and Kingussie. The reserve entrance is 4.5km (2.8 miles) south-west of Insh village and 1km (0.6 mile) east of Ruthven Barracks. From the A9, take the exit to Kingussie. Follow B970 south from the village towards Ruthven Barracks. Kingussie station is a 15km (0.9 mile) walk away. The nearest bus stop is in Kingussie. |
| Accessibility: |
Open daily. Unimproved paths and trails. Access may not be suitable for all visitors. |
| Costs: |
Free |
| Best time to visit: |
Spring for breeding waders; winter for migrants. |
Venue information
Venue details: This is one of the most important wetlands in Europe. In spring, lapwings, redshanks and curlews nest here. In winter the marshes flood, providing roosting and feeding for flocks of whooper swans and greylag geese. Habitats include floodplain, northern poor fen, marsh, birch and aspen woodland. Early spring (May) is best for breeding waders including lapwings, curlews, snipe and redshank. Ospreys fish in the loch. By late autumn and into winter migrants arrive, including whooper swans and greylag geese from Iceland. Hen harriers also gather to roost.
Venue verdict: An interesting site but patience is required, together with a long telephoto, particularly if you want to photograph the ospreys. There are opportunities to see ospreys in spring and summer from Kincraig church (grid ref: NH835054).
Ratings (out of five): 2