RSPB Scotland Trumland nature reserve

Trumland in Orkney consists of 131 hectares of blanket bog and 52 hectares of wet heath. It's a remote location and arguably the best time to visit is during the summer months, when you should be able to see breeding red-throated divers, hen harriers, merlins and short-eared owls.

Enjoy spectacular views of the Orkney archipelago from the tops of Knitchen Hill and Blotchnie Fiold (Rousay's highest hill), but don't miss the tiny moorland wildflowers at your feet and the plaintive cries of golden plovers as you pass by.

During the summer, you can spot fulmars, Arctic skuas and great skuas. Look out for red-throated divers while enjoying the heather, bog asphodel and tormentil along the trail.

Look out for the subtle colour changes on the moorland as summer passes into autumn. If you are lucky you may spot a red grouse whirring away at your approach, or a snipe hunkered down in the long vegetation.

Take a brisk walk in Winter around the trail on a clear sunny day to the tops of Blotchnie Fiold and Knitchen Hill, and you will be rewarded with spectacular views over most of the Orkney archipelago, and even as far as Fair Isle out on the far horizon. 

In spring, you can see birds of prey such as 'sky-dancing' hen harriers, kestrels, merlins and peregrines. Look out for short-eared owls and golden plovers.

This nature reserve is important for wildlife. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.