Scots are being encouraged to step outdoors and explore nature over the festive period – because it is one of the best ways to relax and unwind. This winter, NatureScot has compiled a list of top winter walks, whether people are looking for wildlife, a good hike with friends and family or simply an escape into nature for some peace and quiet.
NatureScot, Scotland’s nature agency, looks after 29 of the 43 official National Nature Reserves across Scotland, including woodlands, beaches, lochs and mountains. Susan Luurtsema, Nature Reserves Senior Adviser, said: “Our nature reserves are spread across the length and breadth of Scotland, and they give people the opportunity to enjoy the incredible sights and sounds of nature.
“It’s tempting to stay indoors on colder, darker days, but we really want to encourage people outside because it brings so many benefits. Spending time in nature is good for our mental and physical health, improving mood, lowering stress and even helping us to sleep better. Even a short, 20-minute walk has been shown to have a positive effect.”
Here are just some of the walks you can enjoy at Scotland’s National Nature Reserves this winter:
Beinn Eighe, Ross-shire – one-hour circular route from reserve car park.
The woodland trail at Beinn Eighe is a great introduction to the best of Britain’s oldest national nature reserve. The path leaves the car park at Coille na Glas-Leitire (the wood of the grey slope) on the shores of Loch Maree and winds up through the ancient Scots pines, with superb views back over the loch to shapely Slioch mountain beyond.
Pick up a leaflet before you set off to learn more about the reserve’s many different habitats and species along the trail, from pine martens to golden eagles.
Blawhorn Moss, West Lothian – easy 2km walk from reserve car park.
Barely a stone’s throw from the M8, Blawhorn Moss is a hidden treasure and a rare survivor of the ancient blanket bog that once covered much of Central Scotland.
From the carpark follow the 700-metre track until you reach the reserve entrance. Head out onto the path where you can absorb the wide vistas across the windswept moorland. Step along the boardwalk where you’ll experience the sights and sounds of a living bog, as well as some stunning sculptures of bog life.
Blawhorn is just a few minutes from the Edinburgh to Glasgow national cycle route 75.
Cairnsmore of Fleet, Dumfries & Galloway – 3km circular route from visitor centre.
One of the wildest places in south-west Scotland, Cairnsmore is a walkers’ paradise, with panoramic views over a patchwork landscape and the chance to see stunning birds of prey in flight.
The low-level In-Bye trail starts and ends at the visitor centre at Dromore and runs below the dramatic broken crags of Clints of Dromore. The path is mostly good track with a grass section, steps and a boardwalk.
You can sit on Ali Jeffries beautifully sculpted ‘cloud seat’ at the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct, featured in the classic spy-thriller “The 39 Steps”.
Look out for red and black grouse, merlin, hen harrier and the world’s fastest bird – the peregrine falcon.
Flanders Moss, Stirling – easy 30-minute walk from reserve car park.
Hardly changed for thousands of years, Flanders Moss is one of Britain’s largest intact raised bogs covering three square miles.
This easy half-mile walk starts and ends at the reserve carpark. Follow the boardwalk to enjoy the remote, water-logged landscape up close – see how multi-coloured sphagnum moss forms a living carpet. Make sure to stop and climb the viewing tower for a bird’s eye view of the entire bog and snow-capped mountains beyond.
Loch Leven, Perth & Kinross – 21km route accessible from various points.
With more freshwater breeding ducks than anywhere else in inland Europe, and links to Mary Queen of Scots, Loch Leven combines history and nature beautifully.
Join the all-abilities Heritage Trail at any of the car parks or entry points along the way.
At the lush parklands of Kinross House, get your binoculars out at one of the bird hides to spot migrating pink-footed geese, tufted ducks and whooper swans.
Taynish, Argyll – two-hour circular route from reserve car park.
An amazing landscape teeming with wildlife awaits at Taynish. You can indulge in a spot of ‘forest bathing’ here, in some of Scotland’s most ancient rainforest.
If you can reach the Linne Mhuirich rapids, it’s a great place for otter spotting.
The path takes you past an old mill but save your energy for a midway climb where you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views of Loch Sween.
Tentsmuir, Fife – two-hour circular route from Kinshaldy car park.
Tentsmuir has it all – from windswept beaches and shifting sands to peaceful lochs and woodland. This is a wonderful place to make space for nature, offering a truly immersive sensory experience.
Look up when winding past the pine trees – you may spot red squirrels in the branches above. At the beach, you might find grey and harbour seals resting on the sandbanks.
Susan added: “Whatever winter walk you decide to head out on, remember to leave no trace of your visit, respect any signs you see on the reserves, and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. If you’re taking your dog, keep it in sight and under control to avoid scaring other animals and people and if in doubt, use a lead.”
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