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Loch Insh Woods

Cairngorms  >  United Kingdom

A small woodland area and circular trail on the south shore of Loch Insh, managed by the RSPB.

Added* by James Tatlow
Most recent update 18 joulukuu 2025
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Description

A nice little loop through Silver Birch and young pines with several good viewpoints out onto Loch Insh. On the water expect to see telkkä as this area hosts the majority of the UK's breeding population. isokoskelo is fairly common on the River Spey that feeds into this loch so can be found here too. sääksi (kalasääski) nest nearby and can be seen in summer, as well as all of the hirundines including törmäpääsky. laulujoutsen can overwinter here.

Amongst the trees käpytikka, vihervarpunen and puukiipijä are likely. metsäkirvinen, sirittäjä and both harmaasieppo and kirjosieppo are possible.

Details

Access

Loch Insh Woods are located within the Cairngorms National Park, near the village of Kincraig. You could park at the watersports centre where toilets and refreshments are also available, or there is a wide patch of verge used for parking along the B970 where the footpath comes back to the road. Press a p on the map for directions. The circular walk shown on the map is about 3 km.

If you want to make a whole day of it, a canoe or kayaks could be rented for a different vantage point of the water.

For a slightly more upmarket lunch, The Old Post Office in nearby Kincraig offers well prepared meals as well as tea, coffee and cake.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Lake

Conditions

Wet

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Boat

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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