Kincraig
Ceann na Creige
Kincraig is a picturesque village on the west bank of the River Spey on the western side of the Cairngorms National Park.
Until 1871, the village was called ‘Boat of Inch’ after the local ferry crossing over the River Spey. But the Boat of Inch railway station changed its name in honour of the ‘Kincraig’ bridge that was built to replace the ferry, and the rest is history.
Today, the old railway line can be enjoyed by bike or foot as part of the Speyside Way, one of the multiple long-distance routes that wind through the National Park.
Kincraig’s former post office has been repurposed as a café and art gallery featuring local artists. Other amenities include a primary school and several accommodation options.
Just to the south of the village is Loch Insh, a popular place for various interests - from water sports and walks to nature watching. It’s common to spot many of Scotland’s much-loved species here, such as crested tits and osprey.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park lies two miles south of the village. This 105-hectare safari park and zoo houses a diverse range of animals, including polar bears, red pandas, wolverines, and more. In 2024, a new wildlife discovery centre opened to help rare species such as scabious mining bees and the Scottish wildcat, and to boost local engagement with wildlife.
The village is close to the A9 and, on top of biking and walking paths, has helpful bus links to the nearby towns of Aviemore and Kingussie.
Kincraig is a picturesque village on the west bank of the River Spey on the western side of the Cairngorms National Park.
Until 1871, the village was called ‘Boat of Inch’ after the local ferry crossing over the River Spey. But the Boat of Inch railway station changed its name in honour of the ‘Kincraig’ bridge that was built to replace the ferry, and the rest is history.
Today, the old railway line can be enjoyed by bike or foot as part of the Speyside Way, one of the multiple long-distance routes that wind through the National Park.
Kincraig’s former post office has been repurposed as a café and art gallery featuring local artists. Other amenities include a primary school and several accommodation options.
Just to the south of the village is Loch Insh, a popular place for various interests - from water sports and walks to nature watching. It’s common to spot many of Scotland’s much-loved species here, such as crested tits and osprey.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park lies two miles south of the village. This 105-hectare safari park and zoo houses a diverse range of animals, including polar bears, red pandas, wolverines, and more. In 2024, a new wildlife discovery centre opened to help rare species such as scabious mining bees and the Scottish wildcat, and to boost local engagement with wildlife.
The village is close to the A9 and, on top of biking and walking paths, has helpful bus links to the nearby towns of Aviemore and Kingussie.
Kincraig
key
facts
Elevation
240m
Location
W
