St Abb’s Head
St Abb’s Head is best described as one of those "seabird cities". An easy-to-reach location with spectacular seabird colonies just outside the village of St Abbs. Species such as guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes can be spotted along the steep cliffs and are very easy to photograph. Head inland towards the Mire Loch to see swans, ducks, damselflies and butterflies. The nature reserve sits atop a cliff featuring a wealth of wildlife other than birds, along with the surrounding waters.
St Abb’s Head, Northfield, St Abbs, Berwickshire, TD14 5QF
Loch of Strathbeg
The best time to visit this loch is during the winter to witness the spectacle of thousands of geese as the loch is an internationally important wintering ground for these birds. The huge number of geese includes 20% of the world’s population of pink-footed geese.
Crimond Village, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, AB43 8QN
The Flow Country
One of the more out-of-the-way places to visit, the Flow Country is a must-visit for serious birders, but also those who like big skies and a lot of silence. The Flow Country is one of Scotland’s most important natural treasures and more than 21,000 hectares of which are looked after by the RSPB. There are many opportunities to wonder at the vast landscapes and the animals and plants that live there, or explore the peat bogs’ unique wildlife at the RSPB visitor centre.
RSPB Forsinard Flows, Flows Field Centre, Forsinard, KW13 6YT
Beinn Eighe
Scotland’s first nature reserve, Beinn Eighe guards the eastern end of Glen Torridon. Visitors can follow nature trails on the Loch Maree side or climb up into Coire Mhic Fhearchair to see the triple buttresses of Beinn Eighe. On the walk or climb, keep an eye out for golden eagles and red deer. Nature is all around at Beinn Eighe and there are plenty of walks and hikes to take to see what you can spot.
Kinlochewe, IV22 2PA
Inversnaid
The unspoiled, long-distance footpath at Inversnaid runs through an RSPB reserve. Visitors can be sure to spot songbirds such as warblers and flycatchers. Take the higher level trail out on to the moorland, where black grouse can often be spotted. Not only wildlife can be spotted here, the trails at this nature reserve bring you face to face with long lost ruins and spectacular views.
Garrison Farm, Inversnaid, FK8 3TU
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