Overview

We visited the highland wildlife park while staying in the area. You drive up a long driveway to get to the payment office which are two cabins, you pay without leaving your car. At this point we were also given a map and told where the blue badge parking was , there are a few spaces but as the car park is a reasonable size parking isn’t a problem . The paths around the zoo are described as gravel. It wasn’t loose or deep gravel more impact gravel a bit uneven in places, you might need. Avoid the odd large stone or tree root. But I didn’t really have any issues getting round with my scooter it did cut out twice but that was Because I hadn’t turned it up to full power. Would have been hard work if in a wheelchair due to the slope. The park also have two scooters which guests can borrow, but these are on first come first basis. The only part we couldn’t access was at the very top where the slop is very steep and unsustainable for wheelchairs or scooters. There are plenty of viewing areas by all the large enclosures with boards giving information on the animals. We were lucky enough to get to see Brodie the young polar bear born in December 2021, he was playing with his mother, there was a member of staff at this enclosure to monitor the number of people in the viewing area. She told us all about the cub and also told us the best paths to use to get the best out of our visit. She told us not to go further than the snow leopards. Which were definitely worth seeing , as they had three four month old cubs . When we got to this enclosure the keepers were just feeding the snow leopards and were on hand. To answer any questions. Nearly all the animals here prefer a colder climate, we also saw Scottish wildcats, these are. Part of a conservation project which means only some are on view to the public. We had lunch at the cafe, both entrances have slops and its fully accessible with room to get around with my scooter. There are a few tables inside others outside under a cover overlooking the snow monkey enclosure. We sat here and enjoyed having lunch while watching the monkeys play. It’s. Not a big menu in the cafe just a selection sandwiches, cakes and hot or cold drinks, due to my allergies I ended up having a child’s cheese roll as none of the sandwiches were suitable. Having said that it was ok. Once we had finished going round the park, we took a drive through the safari drive through area where you get to see camels, bison deer, przewalski horses, elk, vicuña,takin. Overall it was a great day out..

Transport & Parking

Only a few blue badge spaces but the car park is a reasonable size so not really an issue. Although the car park is described as gravel , I wouldn’t say it was. Difficult to get over as it’s tightly impacted .

Access

Access isn’t really an issue . I had no real problems getting around with my scooter, despite it being set on a hillside. Only the top of the park is inaccessible. The cafe Is fully accessible with room to get around inside with the scooter. Although the tables outside are bench with fixed seating I just sat at the end .

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet but this wasn’t used

Staff

All the staff we meet were helpful, pointing out the best route for us to get the most from our visit. We did see the same member of staff a few times during our visit and she always stopped to see if we were ok and having a good time.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

As it’s an outside venue they did still have signs up reminding you how far apart to stand and staff were in some. Viewing areas to monitor the numbers. The cafe had hand sanitizer at the door by the entrance.