Cabins in Insh Marshes National Nature Reserve with campfires

Encompassing five miles (eight kilometers) of floodplain between Kingussie and Kincraig, Insh Marshes Nature Reserve is said to be one of the most important wetland areas in Europe. The reserve is protected by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and supports populations of breeding waders including curlew, lapwing, redshank and snipe. Visitors can  follow two trails around the reserve to bird hides and viewpoints. While there is no campsite in the nature reserve, the Spey Bridge Caravan and Camping Park, a 10-minute drive south, sits on a bend of the River Spey and has pitches for campervans and tents.

The reserve is open all year-round and its resident birdlife varies throughout the year. Spring and summer are the best seasons for seeing the breeding waders as well as ospreys fishing in Loch Insh and the River Spey. In fall, winter migrants, including whooper swans and greylag geese, arrive from Iceland, while in winter you can see ducks including wigeon and tufted duck, as well as roosting hen harriers.

• This nature reserve is important for wildlife so visitors should visit responsibly, following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
• There is wheelchair access to the main viewpoint hide from the car park, but neither trail is suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
• The closest train station and bus stop is in Kingussie, 1.5 miles away.
• Dogs are permitted but must be kept under close control or on a short leash.