Downloadable trail maps
Download our trail map here to help plan your visit.
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
Loch Gruinart
AoradhOpenSee opening timesVisit us on the rustic and beautiful Isle of Islay, and explore colourful moorland with stunning views out to sea.
About
Look for Loch Gruinart on Scotland's beautiful Isle of Islay. A working farm looks after the land while producing food and catering for wildlife too. With a wide range of habitats, we see an extraordinary range of key Hebridean birds and other wildlife.
Each year, we see Greenland Barnacle and Greenland White-fronted Geese, Corncrakes, hares, Hen Harriers, Otters, Lapwings, and many insects too.
The reserve offers two signposted trails, starting from the hide car park. Enjoy a stroll through ancient Atlantic woodland, listening for Corncrakes and looking out for Brown Hares and Roe Deer in the long grass. Take a picnic and enjoy lunch with a view of Loch Gruinart and the far hills behind. The moorland, too, is full of beautiful plants like sundews, orchids and Bog Asphodel.
Fancy a bike ride? A firm favourite for many here is the cycle from Uiskentuie, along the B8017, to the RSPB Loch Gruinart visitor centre, and then on to Ardnave. It's a total of 7.5 miles (12 km) one way, and crosses the Gruinart Flats before passing beautiful Celtic chapel ruins.
At a glance
The visitor centre car park is situated in the farmyard. Level Blue Badge bay at Visitor Centre. Closer vehicular access to first hide for visitors with mobility difficulties. Both surfaced with rolled stone. Three bike racks.
Second car park for hide and trails, 360 m from Visitor Centre. No height restrictions or lighting at either.
There is an adapted toilet situated next to the visitor centre. The layout of the toilets may prove difficult for some wheelchair users.
Baby Changing
Baby Changing
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
The Woodland Trail is 1 mile (1.5 km) long and includes a mixture of surfaces including rolled slate.
Disabled access to the viewing platform, but width restrictions and boardwalk with steps beyond.
The Moorland Trail is not suitable for disabled visitors.
Toilets are situated next to the visitor centre.
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.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Dogs under close control welcome. Registered assistance dogs only permitted in hides. Livestock present year-round.
See what’s here
Plan your visit
Contact Loch Gruinart
loch.gruinart@rspb.org.uk Loch Gruinart, Bridgend, Isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute, PA44 7PP 01496 850505