Bird PlacesRSPB reserve · Kingussie, Highland
Insh Marshes birdwatching guide
Insh Marshes is one of Europe's most important floodplain wetlands, filling the Spey valley between Kingussie and Loch Insh. Spring floods bring breeding waders and drumming snipe; ospreys fish the pools all summer and whooper swans winter on the flashes.
Key facts
- Habitat
- wetland
- Size
- 1000 ha
- Entry fee (adult)
- Free
- Entry fee (child)
- Free
- Membership required
- No
- Hides
- 2
- Wheelchair access
- Limited / none
- Car park
- Yes
- Car park to hides
- 300m uphill to the viewpoint hides
- Toilets
- No
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Status
- open
- Best seasons
- spring, winter
Species by season
| Season | Species | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| summer | Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) | frequent | Fishes the floodplain pools |
| winter | Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) | common | — |
Getting there
Off B970, Kingussie, Kingussie, Highland, PH21 1NT
View on OpenStreetMap · Official website
Facilities & opening
Open at all times
Frequently asked questions
What is the best season for Insh Marshes?
April to June for displaying waders and singing redstarts; November to March for whooper swans and hen harriers.
Nearby reserves (all organisations)
Explore more
Information last updated 11 June 2026.