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.
Attraction / Exhibit
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
- There are steep slopes on the approach paths to this hilltop building.
There are many openings from all sides of the building.
The side balcony entrance has 13 steps with handrails on both sides, which can be bypassed via the steep slopes on the paths to the building.
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Attraction / Exhibit
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- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- The type of flooring in this area is wood.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in pictorial and information board format.
- No exhibits can be audio described.
- There is a low colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
Animal Enclosures (Reserve)
- This enclosure is indoor and outdoor.
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this enclosure.
- The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
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Animal Enclosure
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- There is level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The flooring in the enclosure is hard flooring.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Information in this area includes the following formats: pictorial, information board and interactive exhibits at a recommended height for wheelchair users.
- The enclosure does not have a hearing assistance system.
- A staff member is in the enclosure at certain times.
- There are shows/talks in the enclosure, with no designated seating available for wheelchair users.
- There is a low level viewing area at 60cm high.
- There are binoculars fixed at a height of 150cm.
There is a telescope fixed at a height of 125cm. - There is a low colour contrast between the walls and the walkways in this area.
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Exit
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- Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.
