Kingussie

WALKING PATHS

There are lots of walks available from Kingussie, of varying lengths and difficulty. 

RUTHVEN BARRACKS

This now ruined building was constructed in 1719 following the 1715 Jacobite uprising. It was captured by Charles Edward Stuart's army in 1746 and burnt. All that remains are the walls of the accommodation block and stables.

The Barracks are about 20 minutes' walk south of the town, following the Speyside Way which is partly on an off road path and partly on the fairly quiet road.

INSH MARSHES NATURE RESERVE

The RSPB reserve is a further 10 minute walk after the Barracks, on an off road path which is part of the Speyside Way. This spectacular wetland is one of Europe's most important.

It is best to visit in springtime for nesting lapwings, redshanks or curlews, or in the winter when the marsh floods. We really enjoyed the amazing views from the Lookout over the valley and mountains.

KINGUSSIE CAMANACHD CLUB

Shinty is a traditional team sport which uses sticks and a ball and has been played in the Scottish Highlands for centuries and in Kingussie since 1890.

If you are interested in seeing a game of shinty, Kingussie is a very successful club, having won the Camanachd Cup 26 times. Details of fixtures can be found here or wonder down to the training pitch to perhaps catch a look at a practice session.

NEARBY HIGHLAND WILDLIFE PARK, KINCRAIG

This popular attraction is home to a wide range of animals including bison, wolves, snow leopard, polar bears and tigers.

The park is in two parts: drive through and walk through, so visitors without a car can still enjoy the walk through areas (a private guided tour can also be booked for the drive through reserve for an extra charge).

There is an interpretation centre, shop and cafe on site. There is also the opportunity to be Warden for the Day, where you may actually join with the keeper to help look after the animals. 

From Kingussie it is 5 minutes' bus journey to the end of the entrance road followed by half a mile walk. See Stagecoach service 39 (Newtonmore to Aviemore) and alight at stop 'Kincraig, Wildlife Park Road End'.

Both the website and a staff member we spoke to on site were welcoming of visitors arriving without a car and provided more information about this than is usual for visitor attractions.

SAVING! They offer one free child admission when you show a valid Kids for a Quid train ticket on arrival.

We had trouble narrowing down the photos as there is so much to see!

Page last updated 2 September 2025