Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve

Islay


Seven miles north of Port Charlotte is Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve, where you can hear corncrakes in summer and see huge flocks of migrating ducks, geese and waders in spring and autumn. Two trails from the car park (each about a mile long) lead through moorland and woodland, respectively; there are two hides with wheelchair access, good for watching geese in winter. At the nearby farmhouse is a visitor centre (10am to 5pm) with a video, information and news of sightings.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Islay attractions

1. Bruichladdich

4.1 MILES

A couple of miles from Port Charlotte, Bruichladdich (brook-lad-dy) is an infectiously fun distillery to visit and produces a mind-boggling range of…

2. Kilchoman

4.11 MILES

Likeable Kilchoman, set on a farm, is one of Scotland's smallest distilleries. It grows and malts some of its own barley here and does its own bottling by…

3. Islay Ales

4.71 MILES

This microbrewery in a craft-shop complex by Islay House produces a range of real ales, all bottled by hand. After a complimentary tour, you can taste the…

4. Bowmore Distillery

5.23 MILES

In the centre of Bowmore, this distillery malts its own barley. The tour begins with an overblown marketing video, but is redeemed by a look at (and taste…

5. Museum of Islay Life

5.82 MILES

Islay’s long history is lovingly recorded in this museum, housed in the former Free Church. Prize exhibits include an illicit still, 19th-century crofters…

6. Islay Natural History Centre

5.91 MILES

Under the Islay SYHA in Port Charlotte, this centre has displays explaining the island’s natural history, with advice on where to see wildlife and lots of…

7. Finlaggan

6.89 MILES

Three miles from Port Askaig, tumbledown ruins of houses and a chapel on an islet in a shallow loch mark what remains of the stronghold of the Lords of…

8. Ardnahoe

9.52 MILES

Two miles down the narrow road towards Bunnahabhain, this new independent distillery was due to begin production just after the time of research. It's in…