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RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve

North Uist  >  United Kingdom

RSPB Balranald includes the westernmost point of North Uist, which offers a chance to spot a wide variety of birds, including the elusive Åkerrikse.

Added* by Marnix Roels
Most recent update 10 oktober 2024

Description

A superb circuit of the RSPB nature reserve on the very western tip of North Uist, the Aird an Runair peninsula, with an impressive rocky foreshore and two sandy beaches goes through wildflower-rich machair and round a bird-rich headland. There are lots of opportunities to see birds such as Åkerrikse, Kornspurv and Vipe (depending on the season of course) and possibly an otter. The environment is now being carefully managed to increase its suitability for ground-nesting birds and insects like the great yellow bumble-bee. There is an RSPB visitor centre on site, at the start of the walk.

Details

Access

The walk is just off the A865 on the western coast of North Uist. Watch out for signs to the nature reserve at Hougharry and the camping site. Using public transport, the site can also be reached using the W17 bus from Sollas.

Terrain and Habitat

Grassland , Agriculture , Dunes , Beach , Scattered trees and bushes , Lake

Conditions

Flat , Sandy , Dry , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Summer , Spring migration

Route

Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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