Vintage caravans in St. Cyrus National Nature Reserve with fishing

St Cyrus Nature Reserve’s flower-rich grasslands, volcanic cliffs and stretches of beautiful beach are home to a variety of wildlife. In fact, this is one of the richest and most diverse reserves in Britain, home to a huge range of birds throughout the year, as well as lizards, butterflies and grasshoppers. Whether your interest is birds, botany or beautiful views, you’ll find plenty to do while following the reserve’s marked trails or strolling along the sandy beach. While there is no organized campground within the reserve, campsites and caravan parks can be found with a 20-minute drive.

The reserve is open to visitors all year-round and offers a different experience from one season to the next. Spring heralds the arrival of breeding birds and you can also see fulmars and peregrine falcons nesting on the cliffs. In summer, the landscape is awash with brightly colored wildflowers and birdlife includes meadow pipit and skylark and you might see dolphins, porpoises and migrating whales offshore. Fall brings migratory geese and a bounty of fungi, while waders, ducks, geese and swans arrive in winter.

• The reserve’s Visitor Centre has information about the reserve’s history and sightings. It’s open daily from April through October and from Monday through Friday from November to March.
• Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control, until you reach the beach, especially during the bird breeding season from April through August.
• While you can reach the reserve by public bus, having your own transport is quicker and more convenient.