Access Guide
Getting Here (Highland Wildlife Park)
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By Road
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- Highland Wildlife Park is approximately 7 miles southwest of Aviemore and 4.5 miles northeast of Kingussie.
If you are travelling north on the A9 (Inverness), turn off for Kingussie/Kincraig, and follow the B9152 north.
If you are travelling south on the A9 (Perth), turn off south of Aviemore for Kincraig and follow the B9152 through Kincraig to the Park. - There is an accessible car park with Blue Badge parking and a main car park at the site. Car parking is free.
- For more information onhttps://www.google.com/maps/place/Highland+Wildlife+Park/@57.109751,-3.9679,188732m/data=3m11e34m63m51s0x488f5a16fbb712f3:0x74b4583d619e26be8m23d57.1097514d-3.967899716zL20vMGQwYjRr please click here (opens new tab).
- Highland Wildlife Park is approximately 7 miles southwest of Aviemore and 4.5 miles northeast of Kingussie.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the walkway.
- Both Stagecoach and Citylink operate regular bus services to Aviemore.
You can reach Aviemore via Express Coaches from all over the country, or there is also a Scottish Citylink bus service which has limited stops at the park.
For timetable information, phone Citylink on 0871 266 33 33.
The local Stagecoach bus number 39/M39 service coming from Carrbridge/Aviemore or Newtonmore stops at the bottom of the entrance road. You will then have a walk of around half a mile to the pay kiosks. The bus stop, Highland Wildlife Park Road End, is on the B9152 between Kincraig and Kingussie. - For more information on for local bus service updates and journey planning please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Aviemore.
- The main train station is in Aviemore – regular trains from Edinburgh, Perth, Glasgow, Inverness and an overnight sleeper from London stop here. Anyone planning to travel by train can make journeys across the UK with Scotrail and East Coast Trains.
There is step-free access to all platforms via ramps that may be long or steep in places. A ramp for boarding or alighting the train is available. - For more information on accessibility and station facilities at Aviemore please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on local and national train services to and from Aviemore please click here (opens new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance (Highland Wildlife Park)
- For Highland Wildlife Park's Accessibility Statement please click here (new tab).
- Please click here for information on opening times.
- The following are available: zoo maps, sensory maps, accessibility maps, downloadable zoo maps, downloadable sensory maps and downloadable accessibility maps.
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; large print and audio.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
- There are mobility aids available.
- The mobility aids available include wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact the visitor centre.
- There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk .
- The designated place of safety is located in the First Aid room near the accessible car park.
- Sensory packs are available and include: accessible maps and sensory maps. For more information about reserving a pack, and any charges, please contact the venue before your visit.
- Mobility Assistance.
There are wheelchairs, pushchairs and electric mobility scooters available for free hire. These require a fully refundable deposit. Please enquire at the main entrance on arrival or at the visitor centre.
Some areas of the park may not be suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Steep slopes and steps are signposted with alternative routes and there is an updated mobility map available for visitors which can be downloaded below. - More information on the accessibility map for the park.
- More information on the sensory map for the park.
- Talks and Tours.
There are a number of talks and tours which take place around the park, some private and some public. This includes days with translated talks/tours including BSL.
Some talks are being translated into BSL which will be available onsite via QR code. Please enquire at the visitor centre. - Carers.
Visitors who require special assistance are offered free admission for one accompanying carer when they pay the full adult/concession/child price.
Please bring relevant proof of entitlement, such as a National Disability Card, an Access Card with a ‘+1’ symbol, a ‘plus one’ travel card or a letter from Personal Independence Payment, as this will be asked for on arrival.
Bus Stop (B9152 Bus Shelter - Wildlife Park Road End)
- The stop is located northbound, near to the A9 underpass.
- The stop is served by bus routes 138, 139, 140, M39 and M40 operated by Stagecoach.
- This stop is recommended for The Highland Wildlife Park.
- The approach to the bus stop from the south has a steep ramp/slope.
- This bus stop is sheltered.
- The seating is bench seating.
- Seats with armrests are not available.
- There is not a space for a wheelchair user at the bus stop.
- The stop has a timetable board.
- There is not a help point.
- There is not a raised kerb at this stop.
- There is a button on the bus stop post at a height of 122cm which reads out the displayed bus times when pressed.
Getting to the Pedestrian Walkway from the Bus Stop
- The information below describes the access along the route between the northbound bus stop on the B9152 and the pedestrian walkway.
- This section is approximately 500 metres long.
- There are surfaces of grass at the bus stop, then mainly tarmac, with some areas of loose chippings.
- There is step-free access along the route.
- There is a steep slope approximately 70 metres along the route.
- There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- There may be staff available for assistance beyond the entry road slope.
- Pedestrians are recommended to stick to the right side of the road.
- The road has a 10mph speed limit for vehicles.
- Vehicles may be using the road in both directions.
- There is no background music/noise along this section of the route.
Getting to the Main Entrance via the Pedestrian Walkway
- The information below describes the access along the route between the pedestrian walkway and the main entrance.
- This section is approximately 350 metres long.
- There are surfaces of loose chippings, compacted gravel and wood (which may be slippery when wet).
- There is step-free access along the route.
- There is a steep ramp without handrails approximately 120 metres along the route at the boardwalk.
- There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- There is a road crossing just before the ticket kiosks.
- The road has a 10mph speed limit for vehicles.
- Vehicles may be using the road in both directions.
- There is a further road crossing back to the ticket kiosk.
- There is no background music/noise along this section of the route.
Getting to the Visitor Centre from the Main Entrance
- The information below describes the access along the route between the main entrance and the visitor centre.
- This section is approximately 450 metres long.
- There are surfaces of compressed gravel and loose chippings.
- There is step-free access along the route.
- There are slight and steep slopes along the route.
- There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals, although there are picnic benches near the accessible car park.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- There is a main car park road crossing beyond the polar bear statue.
- The road has a 10mph speed limit for vehicles.
- Vehicles may be using the road in both directions.
- The final part of the route can be taken through the accessible car park, or to the right of this area, past the wolverine enclosure.
- There is no background music/noise along this section of the route.