Visit Scotland

Spending time in nature is good for us, physically and emotionally. And there’s something particularly special about Scotland’s great outdoors. Whether we’re focusing on something small – the delicate iridescence of a dragonfly’s wing or a jewel-like raindrop on a leaf, for instance – or considering the entire ecosystem of a forest as we take in its sights, sounds and smells, the world outside can have a powerful effect on our mood. Perhaps it serves as a reminder that we’re part of something bigger, helping us put our own preoccupations into perspective. Or maybe it’s to do with the gentle thrill of losing ourselves in a world that was there long before us, and will continue long after we’re gone. Seeing animals in their natural habitat — jostling for territory, courting, rearing their young and finding food — and feeling the seasons change is both a privilege and an easy path to joy.

Explore Scotland’s RSPB reserves, where wildlife thrives in stunning landscapes, writes Ashley Davies

RSPB Loch Garten Nature Centre, Cairngorms

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Caption kicker This is a caption, this is a caption, The film is Dune (1984)

The RSPB isn’t just about birds: it’s all about conserving wildlife and galvanising the people who care about it. The charity describes its approach as "taking a bird’s eye view of all the issues that the natural world faces" – and there’s no shortage of those. Against the challenges of the climate crisis and the precarious situations faced by individual species, habitats and landscapes, the RSPB focuses on hope, working with experts and volunteers to find ways to help the natural world recover. Around 18,700 species make RSPB nature reserves their home, and sharing in this charity’s efforts benefits us all.

The RSPB

Any which way Multiply trails and loops offer a variety of choice

Scotland is good for the soul. And for anyone who wants to benefit from its restorative wonders, VisitScotland is there to help find its most special places, and the RSPB makes it incredibly easy to access these simple yet rich delights. Dedicated to the conservation of birds and nature, the charity manages 77 nature reserves in Scotland where you can recharge, reinvigorate, reset and reconnect with the natural world. Whether you want to follow the dramatic lives of migrating birds of prey, catch a glimpse of a red squirrel, check out fabulous fungi, take a quiet walk with a picnic, a flask and a sketch book, you’ll easily find the perfect spot. We’ve picked five sites from around Scotland to give you a taste of just how special RSPB nature reserves are.

Surrounded by trees, this magical place is perfect for anyone who craves arboreal serenity. Just 15 minutes from Aviemore and a 45-minute drive from Inverness, RSPB Loch Garten Nature Centre is part of the RSPB Abernethy National Nature Reserve, which is made up of 12,750 hectares of Caledonian pine forest, heath and upland habitats. “It’s a feast for the senses going through the pine forest,” says Tomes, who has worked here for ten years, having originally been a volunteer for two years back in the mid-1990s. Not only did she fall in love with the place, but she met her husband here, and is a passionate advocate for a site that’s perfect for visitors with all levels of experience of the outdoors.

There’s a heart-soaring surprise around every corner at Loch Leven, where you can opt for a steep trail up into the woods, a gentle, more accessible “Leafy Loop” trail, the dramatically named Sleeping Giant’s path, which rewards you with hill and loch views, or an even more accessible walk that takes you closer to the water. This also links to the Loch Leven Heritage Trail. There are three different hides along the waterside walk, and it’s easy to lose yourself with a pair of binoculars as you watch the many bird species. Depending on the time of year, you might see pretty lapwings, migratory geese, swallows and breeding waders, as well as ospreys and hen harriers popping in for lunch. There’s a café, shop and picnic area at this great spot and lots of bird feeders that attract competitive wee snackers. You might even catch a glimpse of a red squirrel.

Spend a few minutes immersed in the sounds, sights and smells of Loch Leven’s bee meadow from summer and you’ll really feel part of nature. It’s also a good opportunity to learn which flowers to plant in your own garden if you want to attract these pollinators. You won’t be able to miss Chris Rutterford’s stunning mural on the steps outside (illustrating the colour of the woodland, wetland and grassland of the site), and check out the reserve’s website for interesting events, such as dawn chorus walks. The reserve is particularly easy to reach from Edinburgh, and is equipped with EV charging points and a Changing Places toilet. It is also accessible for anyone getting about on wheels, whether using wheelchairs, hand cycles, or a mobility scooter, which you can borrow — in fact, Loch Leven won a 2023 regional Scottish Thistle Award for inclusive tourism.

Working to protect Scotland's wildlife

Jess Tomes, site manager at the RSPB Abernethy nature reserve

Discover another world

Nature’s springing into life and there’s adventure in the air

As Jess Tomes, site manager at the RSPB Abernethy nature reserve , puts it, “The benefits for our physical and psychological wellbeing shouldn’t be underestimated. We’re hardwired to look at natural forms — mountains, leaves, grass — and to find these things calming and relaxing. It’s fundamental to who we are as human beings. “Ask people to think about a cherished childhood memory, and most will say something to do with nature. We are part of nature.”

She adores the interesting shapes of the Caledonian pines (so different from straight-up-and-down commercial tree plantations), and is particularly enchanted by a bog woodland spot on the way up to the Nature Centre. In this niche habitat, the high levels of moisture mean the trees are much smaller than those nearby. Whether you want to experience wildlife up close — more than 5,000 species make their home here — or stretch your legs on its walking trails, this is a part of Scotland to fall in love with. Follow the drama of the ospreys, which can be seen at the nest via scopes, as well as up close on live cameras from the centre. The site is particularly significant for ospreys, which were driven to near-extinction in Scotland in the early 20th century. Loch Garten is where these magnificent fishing birds chose to resume breeding in 1954. RSPB’s role in ensuring their survival is fascinating: egg thieves raided the nests every year until 1959, when the charity started providing 24-hour protection. You might also see red squirrels, woodpeckers, Scottish crossbills, goshawks and crested tits. And although the chances of a face to face sighting of a pine marten or a white tailed eagle are slim, knowing they’re here in the Cairngorms, and the possibility of catching a glimpse on one of a webcam, might be thrill enough. Bring a picnic or pick up a coffee and cake, sit quietly, and watch what comes your way. The Two Lochs Trail has stunning views of Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie, and mobility issues shouldn’t spoil anyone's fun: the site offers use of a Paratreker Trail, an all-terrain wheelchair, and Changing Places toilet to ensure everyone can make the most of the landscape.

Image: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

History ahoy Left: Timewrap back to 1901 in Discovery Dome; Right: Onboard the Discovery

A feast for the senses Loch Garten's pine forests are bursting with life

Experience more Left: Look and discover; Below: An Osprey midflight

RSPB Loch Leven Nature Reserve, Perth and Kinross

Bursting with colour Left: Chris Rutterford's step mural; Right: A native red squirrel

It couldn’t be easier to identify and access these many sites all over Scotland, from the most northerly or southerly points of the mainland to the stunning islands. At rspb.org.uk/days-out/visit-scotland you can find out exactly where they all are, and pick up information on accessibility, facilities and opening hours. You can play your part in protecting Scotland’s amazing nature by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. For more details on the importance of not disturbing wildlife, visit here. There are so many ways to champion nature, and RSPB makes it easy for everyone to learn how. When we act for Scotland’s nature together we can do so much more.

RSPB Loch Lomond, West Dumbartonshire

Can there be a more effective mindfulness technique than wrapping up warm and experiencing the dawn chorus at Loch Lomond? Get there early enough and you might make out which species wakes up first. You don’t necessarily need to be able to identify them, but it’s a lovely way to get an idea of which birds are more ready for action than others. There’s so much variety at this site. One minute you could be surrounded by butterflies and wildflowers in the orchid field; the next you might be eating your sandwich beside the water with the sunshine reflected on your face. Bliss. The diverse habitats at Loch Lomond — woodlands, wetlands and grasslands — attract a broad range of species, and there are four walking trails with lots of tantalising viewpoints along the way. Just a 45-minute drive from Glasgow, and with a picnic area and welcome hub, it couldn’t be easier to enjoy a magical day in nature.

Wild side Top: Bluebells blanket the forest floor; Above: bird spotting for all ages; Left: where lush forest and lake shoreline meet

RSPB Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire

The birdlife here is wonderful. Ospreys, whooper swans, and goldeneye and goosander ducks are regular seasonal visitors. All year round you have a good chance of seeing great-crested grebes, nuthatches, woodpeckers and lapwings, or hearing the squeal of the elusive water rail. You might even catch a glimpse of an otter, deer, hen harrier or kingfisher. If you’re looking for a perfect reason to pack your watercolours, here it is. In addition to the boardwalk, there are two other nature trails, as well as a picnic area, hides, seated viewpoints and a shop that serves refreshments.

Considering how easy it is to reach (half an hour’s drive from Glasgow city and just a few minutes’ walk from the nearest railway station), it’s astonishing how quickly you can immerse yourself in nature at this stunning wetland reserve. Thanks to the new 400-metre boardwalk, visitors can stroll right through the landscape, getting up close to the different habitats (from woodland to loch) without disturbing the vegetation or wildlife. This also means anyone using wheelchairs and buggies can enjoy the benefits of the water, space and wildlife with ease.

Walk this way Left: The Lochwinnoch boardwalk; Below: Taking a stroll on a nature trail

RSPB Mersehead, Dumfries & Galloway

Shore thing Above: Sunset over the Solway coast; Below: A natterjack toad in the dunes

Barnacle geese add to the captivating soundscape in the spring at this sublime reserve, made up of miles of silky beach, dunes and wetland. You could easily spend hours watching the sky as the light changes and various flocks go about their business. Look out, too, for marsh harriers and in summer, keep an eye out for young birds taking their first tentative steps into the wider world. Cast your eyes down and there’s a whole other world to understand within the tidal mudflats. Breathe it all in and you’ll really feel part of something special. There are plenty of picnic and sketching spots, some gorgeous wildflowers in the warmer months and a couple of hides.

If you know where to go at Mersehead you’ll hear some astonishing sounds. Rare natterjack toads live among the dunes, and their distinctive calls can be heard at nighttime during spring, carrying as far as three miles.

RSPB Loch Garten

Tadpole tales Learning at Loch Lomond

with every step