Visiting Loch Insh

Relax, See The Sights, Learn Something New

The River Spey widens in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains to create the beautiful Loch Insh. Surrounded by the nature and wildlife of the Cairngorms National Park as well as friendly towns and villages, you could easily, and happily, spend an entire holiday in the area.

Explore the area

If you've decided to visit the loch, there's plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas.

Spey Valley is just a short drive away and has everything to keep the family happy. Learn to fish like the locals in the fly fishing school, visit the wildcats in the Highland Wildcat Experience or hop on either the Speyside steam railway or the Cairngorm Mountain Railway.

Also close by, is the stunning village of Kincraig. Home to the Highland Wildlife Park, sheepdog demonstrations and wildlife walks, its the perfect place for animal lovers to relax and spend the day exploring.

To see some of the best views of the local wildlife and scenery, those who like a walk should consider The Badenoch Way. A walking route connecting Aviemore and Newtonmore you can see the best the area has to offer along the journey.

But of course, a visit to the Loch Insh area wouldn't be complete without visiting the loch itself.

If you're the active type, then that's where you'll find the action. Open all year, and with season activities, classes and team building workshops, it's the perfect place to challenge yourself, add some thrill to family bonding or learn some new skills. 

Here is just a taste of what you can do at Loch Insh:

Canoeing and kayaking
Don't just admire the loch, get in it. Canoeing and kayaking get you on the water for a leisurely row. This gives the best way for groups on 1-4 to explore Loch Insh and the River Spey, with islands to the North East and Marshes to the South West, there's plenty to see.  

Sailing
Rent a boat and set sail. From dinghies and catamarans, there's a boat for everyone. The Outdoor Center even has the Challenger trimaran, which is known to be the best boat for sailors with physical disabilities. So, pick a captain and hoist the mainsail, Loch Insh awaits.

Paddle boarding
A fun and accessible water sport to get you out on the loch. Take a lesson or freestyle it, there's no feeling like gliding across the loch. 

Windsurfing
Don't just restrict yourself to sailing, windsurf! Loch Insh is the perfect location, with its mile-long length and valley winds you won't just glide, you'll fly.

Raft building
This fun loch-side activity can lead to teamwork and bonding… or arguments and competition. Raft building tests your engineering skills while working as a group to get you sailing, or sinking, on the Insh.

If you'd rather stay dry, there are alternatives to water sports that will keep you just as entertained on the shores of Loch Insh.

Archery
Take up a bow and let loose a few arrows. Compete with friends or family for the best shot or focus on improving your inner Robin Hood. You won't regret taking a shot at archery while surrounded by the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. 

Mountain biking
Why walk when you can mountain bike. See the lake and surrounding land by rushing down trails and working up a sweat.

Dry skiing
Learn to ski, right on the shore of the loch. The dry ski slope is the best place to learn the basics or practice your slope skills without the crowds and pressure of climbing the Cairngorm.

Scenery
If you're more the slow and relaxed type, then you can't go wrong with taking some time to soak up the scenery. Take a peaceful walk or sit back while gazing across the loch. No matter the season, Loch Insh remains breathtaking all year round, meaning that whenever you decide to visit, you'll never be missing out.