5 Stunning RSPB Sites in Scotland

A natural paradise set in ancient woodlands

Located in the majestic Cairngorms National Park, Loch Garten Nature Reserve is a tranquil gem close to the popular villages of Aviemore in the south and Grantown-on-Spey in the north. It encompasses part of the ancient Caledonian Forest, where birds like the redd Scottish crossbill and majestic osprey call home. Three waymarked trails (up to a maximum of 2.5 miles) will take you on a tour of this beautiful habitat.

You have a huge range of places to visit from this centre. Explore more of the Cairngorms, head north to Speyside and visit a real Speyside whisky distillery, or travel east to Aberdeenshire and visit the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family, Royal Deeside.

Other RSPB reserves to visit include Insh Marshes in the west and Corrimony in the east.

Find more things to do in the Highlands and Aberdeenshire

A calming retreat with stunning loch views

The beautiful Loch Leven Nature Reserve is a real find in stunning lowland Perthshire. Set on the banks of a tranquil loch, the wetlands and woodlands here are home to a diverse mix of birds and wildlife, including striking lapwing and scampering red squirrels. Explore the gentle wildlife garden, take in the low-level trails or tackle the 4.3 mile Sleeping Giant hill walk for sweeping views across the loch and beyond.

This reserve’s central location is ideal for exploring cities like Stirling, Perth, Edinburgh and Dundee. You’re also a short hop to Fife and the many picturesque fishing villages of the East Neuk, where you’ll find coastal trails to meander.

From Loch Leven your closest neighbouring reserves are Black Devon Wetlands in Alloa, near Stirling, and Loch of Kinnordy, near Dundee.

Find more things to do in Perthshire, Fife and Dundee

A wetland sanctuary on the west coast

Located west of Glasgow, beautiful Lochwinnoch is just 30 minutes away by car or 45 by train, with the train station just outside the reserve. The reserve has three short trails, all under a mile long, allowing you to easily get out and enjoy the beautiful wetlands and the birds and animals that live there. Depending on when you visit you could see large whooper swans or delightful great crested grebes.

Travelling south to Ayrshire you’ll find superb attractions, like the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and Culzean Castle. Other places to soak up Scotland’s beautiful scenery include the Lynn Falls waterfall and Ayrshire’s stunning beaches.

For another RSPB reserve to visit have a look at Baron’s Haugh to the east of Glasgow in Motherwell.

Find more things to do in Ayrshire and Glasgow & Clyde Valley

A wildlife haven on the banks of Loch Lomond

Combining a heady mix of wetlands and woodlands, beautiful Loch Lomond reserve is based on the banks of the famous loch. The site boasts four short trails, each less than a mile long, so you could easily explore more than one while you’re visiting. Keep your eyes peeled for sweet little redstarts and wood warblers.

Situated to the south side of the stunning Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, you’re just a 25-minute drive from Aberfoyle. In the area you’ll find plenty of hills to climb and lochs to gaze upon. Check out Go Ape Aberfoyle for tree top fun or hire bikes and explore a variety of cycle routes.

Another RSPB reserve to look out for is Inversnaid on the north east bank of Loch Lomond.

Find more things to do in Loch Lomond, Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley

A coastal getaway in the south of Scotland

In the south west of Scotland, Mersehead reserve is located on the scenic Solway coast. With two trails to choose from (wetland: 2 miles and coastal: 2.5 miles) this centre is ideal for those looking for a relaxing walk in beautiful surroundings. Look out for rare natterjack toads in the spring and summer and barnacle geese in the autumn and winter.

The reserve is just 30 minutes from Dumfries, a bustling town that makes the perfect base to explore the south of Scotland.  Discover places associated with Robert Burns, visit farm attractions and take a drive to the stunning Galloway Forest Park.

There are four other RSPB reserves in Dumfries & Galloway so why not check those out too? These are: 

• Wood of Cree
• Crook of Baldoon
• Mull of Galloway

Find things to do in Dumfries & Galloway