Days out
Forsinard Flows
ForsinardOpenSee opening timesThis is a rolling, rugged expanse of precious peatland and mountain scenery where lizards scurry and Hen Harriers soar.
About
Forsinard Flows nature reserve, in the far north of Scotland is a rolling expanse of blanket bog, sheltered straths – a name for broad river valley – and mountains. The wild and rugged landscape is part of the Flow Country – one of Scotland’s national treasures. The RSPB is lucky enough to have cared for more than 21,000 hectares of it for over 20 years.
Best visited in the spring and summer, look out for Golden Plover, Dunlin, Greenshank, Hen Harrier, Skylark and Meadow Pipits while walking our trails. Lizards lurk along the edge of the boardwalk and swallows often nest in the Flows Lookout Tower. Dragonflies dart around the pools, while frogs and water insects hide beneath the water’s surface. Insect-eaters Sundew and Butterwort are scattered across the landscape – these plants may be small but they sure have attitude – luring flies into their sticky traps.
Our rarer species, including Red-throated and Black-throated Divers and Common Scoter, tend to live out in the remote pools and lochs at the heart of the Flow country, so it's unusual for visitors to catch a glimpse of them.
This is a place of rare habitats developed over thousands of years. The deep layers of peat that lie beneath the surface of the blanket bog are a hugely important carbon store. Peat bogs are a crucial defence against climate change, locking away carbon so that it’s not released as carbon dioxide. They cover just three percent of the world, but hold nearly 30% of all the earth’s carbon.
At a glance
Forsinard Car Park (for Visitor Centre / Flows Lookout & Dubh Lochan Trail)
5 regular spaces and 2 Blue Badge spaces are available in the tarmac-surfaced car park shared with the railway station at the visitor centre.
An additional 12 spaces on a gravel surface (including two larger spaces for campervans) is also available. No overnight parking.
Forsinain Car Park (for Forsinain Trail)
Car park is a mixed tarmac/gravel surface without designated spaces, 5 miles (7 km) north of the visitor centre.
Overnight parking permitted for up to 24 hours. Cycle racks for up to six bikes at the visitor centre. No height restriction
Situated in the visitor centre. Please be aware that this toilet may not be suitable for all access needs. please get in touch with us in advance if you need to check suitability.
Situated in the visitor centre.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Unfortunately due to the nature of the peatlands, our two trails aren't accessible to people of all abilities.
However the Dubh-lochain Trail boardwalk provides reasonably easy access for a wide range of people.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Unfortunately due to the nature of the peatlands, our two trails aren't accessible to people of all abilities.
However the Dubh-lochain Trail boardwalk provides reasonably easy access for a wide range of people.
Situated in the visitor centre
Open 7 days 9am - 5pm April - October
Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm November - March
BBQs and campfires can be dangerous in this landscape, especially during periods of High Fire Risk. They can endanger other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs are allowed on the reserve if kept on a short lead or under close control. Please keep your dog under proper control at all times.
This is especially important during the ground nesting bird breeding season (April to July), so that birds are not disturbed, or nests damaged.
The short Viewpoint Trail at Forsinain is a good place to exercise your dog without disturbing the wildlife or bog pools on the two main nature trails.
Please remember to bag and bin dog poo! Drinking water is available at the visitor centre for dogs.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Drinking water is available at the visitor centre for dogs (Only assistance dogs should be taken inside the centre).
See what’s here
Contact Forsinard Flows
forsinard@rspb.org.uk Forsinard Flows, Forsinard, Highland, KW13 6YT 01641 571225