Loch Gruinart

Look for Loch Gruinart on Scotland's beautiful Isle of Islay. A working farm looks after the land while producing food and catering for wildlife too. With a wide range of habitats, we see an extraordinary range of key Hebridean birds and other wildlife.

Each year, we see Greenland Barnacle and Greenland White-fronted Geese, Corncrakes, hares, Hen Harriers, Otters, Lapwings, and many insects too.

The reserve offers two signposted trails, starting from the hide car park. Enjoy a stroll through ancient Atlantic woodland, listening for Corncrakes and looking out for Brown Hares and Roe Deer in the long grass. Take a picnic and enjoy lunch with a view of Loch Gruinart and the far hills behind. The moorland, too, is full of beautiful plants like sundews, orchids and Bog Asphodel.

Fancy a bike ride? A firm favourite for many here is the cycle from Uiskentuie, along the B8017, to the RSPB Loch Gruinart visitor centre, and then on to Ardnave. It's a total of 7.5 miles (12 km) one way, and crosses the Gruinart Flats before passing beautiful Celtic chapel ruins.