Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Crannach
BallaterOpenSee opening timesWelcome to this small but beautiful reserve in the Scottish hills. Rich in history and habitat, Crannach always has something to discover.
About
This beautiful, tranquil woodland and upland reserve is located within the Cairngorms National Park. What Crannach lacks in formal trails and size, it more than makes up for in history and charm. The diverse habitats at Crannach support species including Black Grouse and Scottish Crossbills, along with rare plants such as Twinflower and Green Shield Moss. It is also home to Tree Pipits, Redstarts and Spotted Flycatchers.
You'll find areas of birchwood, mature and developing pinewood, and important areas of broadleaved woodland located on the riverbank at Crannach. Our work here includes the restoration of woodland habitats, as well as caring for the areas of open heathland, screes, crags and mires.
The reserve is always open and is free to enjoy. However, there is no car park at this reserve and no formal access routes. The nearest village is Ballater, approximately 1.5 miles away.
Visitors can enjoy similar habitats and species at our Loch Garten and Corrimony reserves or elsewhere on Deeside. Crannach isn't an easy reserve to access, but what it lacks in formal access for visitors, it more than makes up for in history and charm.
At a glance
There is no car park at this reserve and no formal access routes. The nearest village is Ballater, approximately 1.5 miles away.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets including baby change and accessible toilet (RADAR key required) are in Ballater village around 1.5 miles away.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets including baby change and accessible toilet (RADAR key required) are in Ballater village around 1.5 miles away.
Not accessible due to the tracks on the reserve being rough, uneven and muddy.
Not accessible due to the tracks on the reserve being rough, uneven and muddy.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets including baby change and accessible toilet (RADAR key required) are in Ballater village around 1.5 miles away.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
The reserve is managed as a safe home for breeding birds, so please keep dogs on a lead at all times. This nature reserve is an important place for wildlife.
RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. We hope you enjoy your visit
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Crannach
nsro@rspb.org.uk Crannach, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5QD