Loch Insh Outdoor Centre

Loch Insh Outdoor Centre is an activity base on the eastern shore of Loch Insh at Kincraig, where the River Spey widens at the lower end of Glen Feshie. It brings together a sandy lakeshore, water-sports hire and instruction, land activities, accommodation, and the Boathouse restaurant. I'd make it a longer stop if you want time on the water; it's more of an activity day than a quick roadside viewpoint.

Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, sailing, windsurfing, rowing boats, pedalos, fishing, and a floating water park are among the options. You can hire equipment for your own outing or get instruction, so it works for a first go as well as for people who know what they want to rent. Watersports are seasonal, generally from spring into autumn, so check the activity schedule before building a trip around one particular hire.

The centre also offers skiing and snowboarding, skating, karting, and archery in winter. That's a different reason to come than a summer paddle, so decide which activity matters before setting out. On-site accommodation makes it possible to stay by the loch rather than treat the centre as a day trip.

The Boathouse sits on the sandy bank and looks across the water toward forest and mountains. Its menus cover Highland dishes and burgers, plus coffee and cakes. Food and service get mixed reports, so I'd make the meal part of an activity day rather than choose the centre solely for the restaurant. The Boathouse is described as wheelchair-friendly, though activity access is something to check separately.

Clive Freshwater established the centre in 1969 as the Cairngorm Canoeing and Sailing School, after buying the beach from a local church. High water and wind battered the old Boathouse in 1972, and it was rebuilt.