Explore a rolling expanse of precious peatland and mountains where Hen Harriers soar and rare wildlife thrives across Scotland's Flow Country.

RSPB Forsinard Flows is a vast nature reserve spanning over 21,000 hectares in the far north of Scotland, protecting one of the country's most precious landscapes. This rolling expanse of blanket bog, sheltered straths (broad river valleys), and mountains offers visitors a chance to experience authentic wilderness and encounter diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The reserve is best visited during spring and summer when visitors can spot Golden Plovers, Dunlin, Greenshanks, Hen Harriers, Skylarks, and Meadow Pipits along well-maintained trails. The Flows Lookout Tower provides excellent viewing opportunities, where swallows often nest. Visitors may also encounter lizards along boardwalks, dragonflies around pools, and remarkable carnivorous plants like Sundew and Butterwort scattered across the landscape. Rarer species including Red-throated and Black-throated Divers inhabit the remote pools at the heart of the reserve. Beyond its wildlife appeal, Forsinard Flows protects an irreplaceable ecosystem that has developed over thousands of years. The deep peat layers beneath the blanket bog form a crucial global carbon store, with peatlands holding nearly 30% of Earth's carbon despite covering only three percent of the planet's surface. This makes the reserve not just a family-friendly destination for nature lovers, but a vital refuge against climate change. The venue welcomes families with accessible parking, visitor facilities, and clearly marked trails suitable for various fitness levels. With free entry and dog-friendly policies, it offers an ideal destination for families seeking outdoor adventure and wildlife education in Scotland's wild north.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Jim

2 months ago

Nice alternative route from Thurso to Helmsdale if you are not in a hurry. Single track so not best suited to caravans.

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SSimpson

4 months ago

Fantastic spot to listen to the ground nesting birds across this phenomenal landscape. The visitor centre is small and well thought out. The short walk to the viewing tower gave us opportunity to see plover and peewits, plus a lizard attempting to sunbathe even on this cold spring day. Highly recommended.

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Xz1

5 months ago

Wonderful place, views, weather, thousand year old moss, flagstone walkway, boardwalk are among the delights of this outpost.

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Scottieboyuk

a year ago

What a wonderful, beautiful, quiet place. Such a vast, open space, filled with nature, insects and interesting plants. Well worth the visit, well worth the time you will not regret visiting here, the only thing you will, is having to leave! Wonderful!

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Lois Johnson

a year ago

An opportunity to learn more about the history and incredible importance of the Flow Country. The easy, one mile trail out to a lookout tower and through the insects- and plant-filled bogs was incredibly lovely. A beautiful location and nearby there is a small free, interesting visitor centre with a toilet too. Longer trails are possible to do too.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026