Loch Ruthven, near Farr

More of a place to visit than a walk, Loch Ruthven RSPB Reserve is a nesting site for the dramatic-looking Slavonian Grebe and a great place to spot other birds and wildlife. This very short walk follows the shores of the loch to a bird hide - bring your binoculars!

Terrain

Very short and easy lochside walk to bird hide.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Loch Ruthven RSPB Reserve, near East Croachy. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

To reach the Reserve follow the B851 from the A9 south of Inverness (signed Fort Augustus) and turn right after Milton of Farr and just before East Croachy. There is parking at the Reserve entrance. Follow the path past the information board and a seat with a good view of the crags beyond Loch Ruthven.

Stage 2

The Loch is famous for being home to half the UK's population of the very rare, Slavonian Grebe. A sartorial show-off, the bird has a very colourful breeding plumage and spectacular courtship display, which in addition to it's rarity, makes it very popular with birdwatchers. The path soon passes a boat hut on the right and then a small beach with a good view out over the water.

Stage 3

Loch Ruthven is also a good place to see osprey's catching fish as well as red throated divers , red breasted merganser, teal, goldeneye, and the more common heron, oystercatcher, common sandpiper and cuckoo. As you follow the winding path through the birch woodland there are many smaller birds present, spring and summer are good times to see their frantic nesting and young-feeding activity.

Stage 4

After some boardwallks the bird hide is reached. This is unmanned and you need to bring your own binoculars but is in a great position to watch for the grebes. The RSPB has cameras to monitor the nest sites, and the birds are more likely to be spotted on their own fishing at the sedge beds near the nests on the far side of the water. Once you have had your fill of Slavonian grebe's and other wildlife (roe deer are also often spotted near the hide) the return is by the same outward path.

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