Kingussie is perfectly placed right in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park to enjoy all the splendour of the local area. Rich in history, wildlife and activities and with utterly majestic views everywhere you turn, there is no
shortage of inspiration during your stay.
You must walk up Craeg Bheag, straight from your front door it takes less than 2 hours but the sense of achievement and the views of The Strath are spectacular for information please see www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/creagbheag.shtml
If outdoor pursuits is your thing then Loch Insh Watersports with it’s Boathouse Bar and Restaurant, situated on the shores of stunning Loch Insh is 8 miles from Kingussie - you can hire Windsurfers, SUPs, Canoes, Kayaks and Dinghies with instruction too if you need it. Or watch from the comfort of the terrace while others learn! www.Lochinsh.com
The Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore is just 2 miles along the road or cycle path it is a free attraction and open from Easter until October. It is situated on a huge site and is a fantastic place to visit, full of history and is brought to life by actors and animals.
A wonderful day trip and a real treat for any Harry Potter fans, is this railway journey from Fort William to Mallaig on the West Coast. You can travel along the Glenfinnan viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies. The road to Fort
William from Kingussie is full of treats: just after Laggan village you will find a great pottery, cafe and gift shop and after that is Wolftrax Mountain Bike Trails, (https://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/laggan-wolftrax) you can you’re your own bike or hire them for the day -just pre-book. Continue on that road along Loch Laggan and to your left is Arderikie house,
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardverikie_House) where The Monarch of the Glen TV series was based, and was also considered by Queen Victoria before she settled on Balmoral as the midges put her off! The Creag Meagaidh nature reserve (http://www.wild-scotland.org.uk/member/135/creag-meagaidh-national-nature-reserve/) is a fabulous spot for a picnic and a walk https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/creagmeagaidh.shtml
A wonderful day out for all the family is the Highland Wildlife Park just 4 miles away. See Polar Bears, Amur Tigers, Snow Leopards, Scottish Wildcats, Elk, Wolves, Lynx, Japanese Macaque (Snow Monkeys), Red Pandas, Wolverines and more. Learn all about them from the enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff. Or Speyside Wildlife conduct mammal watches at dusk. See Pine Marten, Badgers, Deer and more from the comfort of a specially constructed hide. www.speysidewildlife.co.uk .
Or visit the RSPB reserve with 4 hides just a mile after Ruthven Barracks (ww.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-
place/places/ruthven-barracks/ ) a well-preserved barracks built in 1719 that stands guard over Kingussie. Follow the road for a further mile and Tromie Bridge is a great spot for a walk, a picnic or even a wild swim in the Summer.
After all of that fresh air why not try one of the fantastic local eateries Cafe Bistro or the Sugar Bowl or even The Cross for something a little special.
