RSPB Corrimony

Managed by the RSPB, Corrimony nature reserve is 1530 hectares of open moorland, conifer plantations, woodland, wetlands, and mountain habitats. Native trees including Scots pine, birch, and rowan, and mires and bog pools are home to a wide variety of species. There is also an impressive waterfall on the eastern edge of the reserve.

During spring, lekking black grouse put on an extraordinary display for visitors, and look out for spotted flycatchers, crested tits, wood warblers, tree pipits, and Scottish crossbills, the UK’s only endemic bird, nesting in the pinewoods.

In summer, the boggier areas attract common sandpipers, curlews, and greenshanks to breed, while at nearby Loch Comhnard occasional red-throated divers and ospreys can be found. And on a warm day, look up to see if you can spot a mighty golden eagle soaring on the air currents over the moors and hills.

Later in the year, migrating goldeneyes, goosanders, pink-footed geese, and whooper swans arrive from the Arctic to spend the winter on the loch and the woodlands fill with mixed flocks of tits and bullfinches. Watch out too for red deer rutting on the open hills and woodland.

There is a trail with way markers running through the reserve to the loch that is suitable for pushchairs and some wheelchairs. This trail runs through a working farm so please leave gates opened or closed as you find them. Other paths and trails may be difficult underfoot and not suitable for all visitors.

Please note, dogs are welcome on the reserve, but must be kept under effective control, and during breeding season, when birds are nesting on the ground, on a short lead.