Discover Kincraig

Kincraig lies on the western bank of the River Spey on the western side of Cairngorms National Park. The village combines riverside scenery, Loch Insh, historical traces and several varied trails. This makes it a suitable base for travellers who want to combine wildlife watching, walks, cycling tours and cultural discoveries during their holiday.

Between the River Spey, Loch Insh and wildlife

Loch Insh lies immediately south of Kincraig. There are opportunities there for water sports, walks and wildlife watching. The loch is also considered an important wintering site for whooper swans from Iceland and Greenland. Anyone who wants not only to observe the landscape but also to experience it in different ways will find a variety of activities in the surrounding area: woodland paths, waterside trails, footbridges and routes with views.

A special attraction is Highland Wildlife Park. It is home to more than 200 animals, including native Scottish species as well as rare and endangered animals from around the world. The park is located two miles south of Kincraig, is open seven days a week and can be reached by car, bus or train. For planning a day out, this combination of wildlife watching and natural surroundings is a specific reason to consider Kincraig as a holiday destination.

Walking and cycling with different highlights

The former railway line through Kincraig can be used on foot or by bicycle as part of the Speyside Way. The northern loop of the Speyside Way runs mostly along the railway line through woodland and offers views of the River Spey. The southern section is an easy out-and-back route, passing Alvie and Insh Church and providing views at both ends of Loch Insh. Depending on the desired character of the day, this allows woodland, river, loch and historic buildings to be combined.

Other trails each have their own particular focus. The Lochside Loop is a circular route through deciduous woodland along the shore of Loch Insh. The Leault Trail runs through woodland and an active sheep farm. On the out-and-back Torr Alvie route, panoramic views await from the summit. Nearby, the Uath Lochans Trail combines woodland paths and footbridges around small lochs and wetland terrain. The Invereshie and Inshriach NNR can be reached from Kincraig via the minor road around the northern end of Loch Insh and onwards over Feshie Bridge; peaceful woodland walks are available there.

History and travel planning

Kincraig was known as “Boat of Inch” until 1871. The former name was connected with the local ferry service across the River Spey. Loch Insh Old Kirk in Kincraig also has a long religious history: its origins are attributed to monks from Iona and may date back to the 7th century. Anyone who would like to learn about historical connections while travelling through the landscape can include these places in their plans.

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house, the key consideration is which experiences should be the focus. Kincraig suits travel plans involving waterside trails, woodland walks, wildlife watching and excursions along the Speyside Way. The village is close to the A9 and has bus connections to Aviemore and Kingussie. These connections may be relevant when choosing accommodation if you want to combine several destinations. At the same time, choosing the right accommodation depends on your preferred daily rhythm: short routes into the landscape, time by the loch or a programme combining nature and cultural attractions each places the emphasis elsewhere.

Discover more places

If you would like to compare other destinations alongside Kincraig, you can also look at Isleornsay, Dunvegan, Helmsdale, Torridon, Teangue, Portskerra, Spean Bridge and Greshornish.

For the higher-level travel overview: Highland.