Newtonmore has a choice of museums giving an introduction to Highland culture - the Highland Folk Museum and also the Clan MacPherson Museum, Scotland's oldest clan collection.

Only a few minutes further downstream, near Kingussie (Highland Folk Museum here as well), are Ruthven Barracks, visible from the main A9, their ruinous state the result of being attacked by the forces of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746. They overlook the River Spey which meanders gently in this upper part of Strathspey (where 'strath' is Gaelic for broad valley). This part of the river forms the Insh Marshes, a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserve noted for wildfowl (and ospreys). The river-marshes in turn give way to Loch Insh, a noted area for water sports, with the community of Kincraig beyond.

There is a wealth of things to do in this area between the mountains. The popular tv series 'Monarch of the Glen' was filmed in several locations all around - to the west, for example, Laggan was Glenbogle village. The museums at Newtonmore and Kingussie with their reconstructed buildings give a vivid insight into Highland life of old. Native wildlife (including former inhabitants such as wolves) can be seen at the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig. There are very entertaining working sheepdog displays near Kincraig.

The area offers a good range of activities. In addition to the watersports centre on Loch Insh, Newtonmore and Kingussie both offer fine golf and also ponytrekking. Walkers also have a huge choice, from the high-level routes on Creag Meagaidh (a national nature reserve) west of Laggan, (itself a good waking base). There is a Wildcat Trail round Newtonmore, plus an interpretation trail around Loch Insh - though with miles of mountains and forests, this is all excellent walking country.

In summary, this area makes a good base for discovering all that Speyside has to offer. The wildlife park , working sheepdogs and watersports in particular broaden the appeal for families.