Invereshie and Inshriach

A diverse natural habitat at the foot of the Cairngorms

Invereshie and Inshriach is one of eight National Nature Reserves in the Cairngorms National Park – a sign of the quality of the park’s environment and wildlife. 

Together with Scottish Natural Heritage, we own and manage the reserve in partnership, working to conserve its range of habitats and the diverse plants and animals that depend on them.

The woodland is dotted with boggy pools, rich in insect life, while red squirrel, pine marten, crested tit and crossbill all make the trees their home. Beyond the shelter of the forest, dotterel, ptarmigan and mountain hare cope with an environment shaped by wind and snow.

The change from forest to scattered, wind-sculpted trees and bare mountain top is typical of the Cairngorms. At Invereshie and Inshriach you can see that change in a walk of just half an hour.

Activities

Explore windy peaks

While there are no waymarked trails on the reserve, a well-defined path leads through the forest from the car park. After about half an hour you’ll reach the start of open hill ground, with superb views and scattered, tall pine trees. The path continues to the summit of Sgor Gaoith (the peak of the winds) at 3,667 feet (1,118m). The round trip there and back is 8¾ miles (14 km).

Check our advice on hill walking before you set off. Please keep dogs under close control to protect vulnerable species, particularly between 1 April and the end of  August as this is the sensitive time for ground nesting birds in this area.

Facilities and access

Mountain access

Walking

Parking

Life's essentials

The nearest places to eat are in Kincraig village.

Please note that we do not allow camping in the recreational areas of this site. For more information, get in touch with our district office.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

Getting here

From Aviemore take the B9152 south to Kincraig. Turn left opposite the war memorial, signposted for Feshiebridge, and follow the road through the village and across the river to a T-junction. Turn left here and after about ¾ mile (1.2 km) you will cross a bridge and go round a sharp left hand bend. Turn right just after this, signposted ‘Lagganlia’ and ‘Achlean’. Follow this single track road for 2¼ miles (3.6 km) and the car park is on your left.

Using SatNav?

PH21 1NH is a postcode a little further up the glen: you will pass the car park before you reach it.

Get directions