Aviemore butterfly sites?

[Heidfirst]

I'm going to be in Aviemore next Wednesday hopefully photographing Ospreys very early in the morning & later in the late afternoon/evening.
This leaves the middle of the day free for butterflies
Can anyone recommend the best local sites (weather Gods permitting)?

[ron1863]

Check this site out, its got some information youmay find handy:

http://www.butterfly-conservation.or...%20version.pdf

[earthdragon64]

Have a walk around the Aviemore Orbital foot path from opposite the Spar shop past the left side of the school. Cross the burn and initially turn left into an open field.

That's quite good for butterflies, then back-track out of the field and carry on up the hill, then follow the path parrallel with the A9 until you come to what is a building site and looks horrible. However, there's a good chance of Scotch Argus, Small Copper, Small Tortoiseshell and Small Heath.

Carry on following the footpath through the horrible scrubby stuff, there's also quite a good chance of seeing Goldfinches feeding on the thistles. Then follow the footpath through the field, which eventually brings you back to the main A95, at the north end of the village. Cross the road and you can turn right back into the village, or turn left past the new houses, you can sometimes see butterflies and birds along there. There were loads of Orange-tips on that stretch earlier in the year.

30 minutes solid walking will take you around it easily, not including the final detour.

Alternatively, if you've more time, try Craigellachie NNR at the south end of the village. You get to that by walking towards the Youth Hostel, but following the path past it on the right, then go through a tunnel under the A9.

Follow the path around to the right, which takes you past two lochans. There's a good chance of seeing butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, not to mention birds and flowers. If you keep on the path you can eventually get to the top of Craigellachie which has views across Aviemore and to the Cairngorms. If you aren't feeling that adventurous there are other paths that take you around the lower part of the reserve, but if you can get as far up as the water-tank, there are Common Blue butterflies, Small Heath, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, Dark Green Fritillaries and maybe Painted Ladies.

Probably one of the best places to see butterflies is the nature trail at Insh Marsh RSPB reserve near Kingussie. I was there earlier this month and saw 10 species within the first 100 yards.

[Heidfirst]

thanks to those who answered.
weather wasn't very cooperative - mixed & very blustery so not ideal for butterflying.
managed to see dark green frit., northern brown argus, scotch argus, common blue, small tortoiseshell, small heath, meadow brown & ringlet plus the ubiquitous large/small/green-veined whites though so pretty happy.
Mostly at Insh Marsh but dark green frit., Scotch Argus & whites also at Loch an Eilein.

[earthdragon64]

I'm glad you managed to see a few butterflies despite the weather. Insh Marshes is probably one of the best places, I've seen quite a few species there even on dull, overcast days.