Wandering in Scotland

Situated in Dumfries and Galloway, Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve includes dramatic coastal scenery and an array of birdlife. It sits on the north shore of the Solway Firth.

It is known for the pintail, shelduck, oystercatcher and wading birds that delve for food in the mud.

Thousands of geese graze the saltmarsh in autumn and winter, but come spring and summer, the natterjack toad’s noisy call can be heard.

Caerlaverock Castle is situated 11 kilometers south of Dumfries, adjacent to the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve. The castle is notable for its wide moat and twin-towered gatehouse, exemplifying medieval architecture.

Situated in Aberdeen, the Cairngorms National Park, the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve is home to wetlands, woods, and moors.

Visit the Vat Gorge where the Burn O’Vat flows, a cauldron-shaped pothole that was shaped by rocks tumbling along in a stream beneath a glacier.

Situated in Dumfries and Galloway, Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve is known to be one of the wildest places in South West Scotland.

Hikers enjoy the mountain route to the Clints of Dromore. Look for roe deer along the woodland fringes and red deer in the hills.

The reserve is home to various species, including birds of prey like kites and buzzards. 

The area includes sculptures by local environmental artists, enhancing the natural beauty.

Situated in Dumfries & Galloway, Eskrigg Nature Reserve is home to many wildlife species and flourishing flora and fauna. It is known for its dense woodland.

Among the wildlife here are red squirrels, tawny owls, kingfishers, mandarin duck, and even adder’s tongue fern.

Situated in Caithness, Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve is home to several nature trails. It is located in the North Highlands of Scotland, is a significant area of blanket bog, and is part of the Flow Country, the largest of its kind in Europe.  It was designated as a National Nature Reserve in 2007 to protect its unique peatland ecosystem.

The area is home to rare birds like the Red-throated Diver and Black-throated Diver, which inhabit the remote pools and lochs.

To get great views all around, climb the Flows Lookout Tower.

For a longer walk, take the Forsinian Trail.

Situated in the North West Highlands, the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is part of the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Scotland. It is renowned for its rich geological history, showcasing rocks that are over three billion years old. It offers visitors a chance to explore unique landscapes and observe diverse bird species in their natural habitat.

 Bird species such as kestrel, raven, and ring ouzel can be observed, along with various songbirds like dunnock and wren.

Try out the Rock Route with amazing rocks and landscapes.

The Rock Room serves as an open-air visitor center with information panels about the local geology and landscape.

Situated in the Scottish Borders, St. Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve offers dramatic coastlines and an amazing variety of wildlife. The region made its big-screen debut in the film “Avengers: Endgame”.

Take a walk along the Mire Loch with spectacular cliff-top views and crystal-clear waters.

It is home to a 60,000-strong seabird colony. Guillemots and razorbills nest on the offshore stacks. Kittyhawks breed on the sheer cliff faces of St. Abb's Head, building nests from grass and mud on narrow ledges. Shags, herring gulls, and puffins can also be seen.

Situated on the east coast, Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve lies in the north-east of Fife, overlooking the mouth of the River Tay. It has coastal habitats, and you can see seals sunbathing on the golden sands.

The sea off the reserve hosts a nationally important colony of common seals, and Tenstmuir Point provides a site for gray seals. From the shore you can also see bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, and harbor porpoises.