Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands National Nature Reserve

In this section

Where eagles dare

With its cluster of mountains, ancient pinewoods, secretive crossbills and soaring golden eagles, it’s no wonder that Beinn Eighe was the UK’s first National Nature Reserve (NNR). Set up in 1951, it covers a vast area of 48 square kilometres – stretching from loch-side to mountain top.

At its heart is the Beinn Eighe ridge – a cluster of rugged peaks, ridges and scree slopes between Loch Maree and Glen Torridon.

The lower slopes are home to remnants of ancient Caledonian pine forest, with its very old ‘granny pines’. More fragments can be found on more than 60 islands scattered across Loch Maree. These island fragments are the nearest thing to natural woodland left in the UK.

Find out more about visiting Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands NNR.

Top attractions

Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands NNR is deservedly famed for its ancient Caledonian pine forest. Some of the pines on the Glas Leitir (grey slope) are more than 350 years old.  These woodlands and mountains are home to a range of quintessentially Scottish wildlife such as pine martens, eagles, red deer, crossbills and divers.

Discover the highlights of the dramatic natural beauty at Beinn Eighe:

• Explore the pine forest and the mountain on our trails.
• In the visitor centre, be inspired by the variety of nature at Beinn Eighe.
• Watch sea eagles and golden eagles soaring high above the mountain.
• Listen in awe to the distant roaring of red deer resounding across the reserve during the rut.
• Enjoy the smaller things in life and search for dragonflies, butterflies and characteristic plants.

Find out more about the reserve and its natural history.

Duration
04:48

Description

Introduction to the iconic Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve in Scotland. Beinn Eighe was the UK's first national nature reserve. In 2021 Beinn Eighe celebrates its 70th anniversary.

What’s on?

Visit our Events page to see what upcoming events you can get involved in at this reserve.

Contact

Reserve manager: Doug Bartholomew

NatureScot
Reserve Office
Anancaun
Kinlochewe
Ross-shire
IV22 2PA

Telephone: 01463 701660
Email: [email protected]

Links

Find us on Instagram and Facebook. Share your photos with us at #beinneigheNNR

Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands NNR is a core area within the Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve.

Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands NNR is a European Diploma site - you can find out more about them on the Council of Europe pages. 

Our visitor centre is rated Gold under the GTBS (Green Tourism Business Scheme).

Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands NNR is a member of VisitScotland.

Enjoyed your visit?

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