📌 Nature reserve in Gruinart, Isle of Islay
★★★
Islay during the cold months is best known for its huge numbers of overwintering wildfowl. Tens of thousands of barnacle and white-fronted geese flock here from Greenland to spend about 6 months on and around Loch Gruinart, the shallow sea loch that bites a sizeable chunk out of the northern part of the island. Start at the RSPB visitor centre for an intro, then wander down the nature trail to a couple of bird hides closer to the loch. Just as effective in our experience is to drive around the plains west of Gruinart; it’s all good goose habitat around here, and the roads should be quiet enough that you can stop for photos whenever you fancy. As well as the headline species, several species of duck and wader spend the winter on Loch Gruinart too, and you’ve a good chance of spotting golden or white-tailed eagles hunting for birds of all sizes.
🌍 Location
📌 Visitor centre is by B8017 at Aoradh, Gruinart, Isle of Islay
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NR 275673
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.821503,-6.351884
❌ No public transport within 1 mi
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
⌚ Always open (visitor centre: daily)
🎫 Free
💬 From the car park, visiting both hides is about a 15-min / 0.5 mi walk (each way) on narrow paths, boggy near the hides. Wellies recommended after wet weather!
