📌 Nature reserve near Croachy, Highland
★★★
There are only about 30 breeding pairs of Slavonian grebe in the UK, and almost all of them congregate at Loch Ruthven each summer. Quite why this unassuming body of water is the favoured location is a mystery (why do so many Brits flock to Spain?), but the loch’s isolated setting between the craggy hills of Stac Gorm and Creag nan Clag keeps it free from excessive human disturbance. A hide on the shoreline is maintained by the RSPB, overlooking reed beds where – with luck – you should be able to see nesting activity during summer. A Slavonian grebe in full plumage (April to June) is a spectacular sight – bring binoculars.
🌍 Location
📌 Off minor road 1 mi west of Croachy. Viewing hide is at:
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NH 635280
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 57.321946,-4.269264
🚌 Extremely infrequent bus to Croachy (1 mi)
🚗 Car park at 🧭 NH 638281 / 🛰️ 57.322615,-4.263198
📝 Key info
⌚ Always open – though viewing hide times are intermittent, indicated at car park
🎫 Free
💬 From the car park it’s a 10-min walk (each way) to the hide on a clear but narrow path, across open ground then through woodland (⬤ Easy).
