Flanders Moss NNR - Visiting the reserve
Visit Flanders Moss for views across a vast landscape that has barely changed for thousands of years.
Getting here
Flanders Moss NNR lies within the Carse of Stirling, the low lying floodplain of the Forth estuary. It is a short distance to the west of Stirling.
By car
Head south from Thornhill on the B822 Kippen Road for 3 kilometres. Turn right onto a minor road and follow this for 1 kilometre to the car park.
Alternatively, access the B822 from the A811 near Kippen. Head north for 3 kilometres, then turn left onto a minor road. Follow this for 1 kilometre to the car park.
Car park
There is parking for cars and coaches at the reserve entrance.
FK8 3QJ is the nearest postcode.
By public transport
The nearest bus stop is in Thornhill (4 kilometres) on the Aberfoyle to Thornhill route.
The nearest train station is Stirling (15 kilometres).
By bike
The Glasgow to Callander section of NCN Route 7 (Glasgow to Inverness) passes near Flanders Moss. Leave the route at Braeval (south of Aberfoyle) and follow the A81 for 7 kilometres. Turn onto the A873 for views of the reserve.
There is a bike rack in the car park. Cycling around the boardwalk is not recommended.
Map
Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve
Click for a full description
Ten miles west of Stirling. Turn right off the A811 at the Kippen roundabout towards Thornhill on the B822. After two miles, a signposted track on the left leads to the car park and cycle racks.
For visitors
Flanders Moss NNR - visiting the reserve leaflet
Our visit Flanders Moss leaflet is a good introduction to the reserve.
Toilets
The nearest toilets are at Thornhill. Find more information on the Stirling Council website.
Picnic areas
Enjoy a picnic on the picnic benches in the meadow area next to the car park.
Rest areas
There are three benches around the path where you can stop and enjoy the landscape and wildlife.
Seasonal highlights
You’re sure to find something of interest all year round at Flanders Moss. May and June are best for plants, July to September for lizards, and autumn and winter for birds of prey and geese.
Spring
Listen for the sound of the first cuckoo, usually in the last week in April. You can also hear many migrant songbirds, including willow warbler and meadow pipit. You’ll find frogs and toads returning to spawn in the ponds and boggy areas.
Summer
Warm summer weather sees lizards basking on the boardwalk, while the bog is carpeted with the fluffy white seed heads of cotton grass. Summer is a good time to spot dragonflies and damselflies, including the black darter and common hawker.
Autumn
The rich rusts and reds of autumn are a beautiful sight. It is often set to the soundtrack of the roaring of rutting red deer and the haunting cries of pink-footed geese. The birch trees turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange. If you look closely, you’ll see the crimson berries of cranberry – a special bog plant.
Winter
On a clear day, enjoy the awe-inspiring solitude of Flanders Moss from the viewing tower. There is often a scenic backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Relax and appreciate the wilderness experience. Listen for wintering geese flying over at dusk to roost at Lake of Menteith.
Trails for all
An easy circular path gives you a close-up view of the rich bog habitat of Flanders Moss. Stroll along the boardwalk to reach a remote and water-logged landscape. Take time to enjoy the ever-changing patchwork of colours and the sounds of bog life.
Find out more on
Related Links
- Designation and management of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves
- Learn more about other protected areas
Bog trail
Walk out over the bog on a meandering circular walk for a dragonfly's-eye view of the Moss. Climb up on the viewing tower for a fantastic bird's eye view.
A firm, mostly smooth, gravel surface and plastic boardwalk. Flat apart from one short gentle slope. The boardwalk can be slippy when wet.
Easy - Disabled Access
