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Accessibility at Loch Gruinart

Summary accessibility statement

Before you visit

Check ahead for suitability for your access needs.

How to get here

By bus

No bus to the reserve. Nearest stop 3 miles (4.8 km) away. Passengers should alight at the junction on the A847 Bridgend to Bruichladdich road, then there will be a three-mile walk. Or if on the Port Askaig route, alight at Bridgend - a six-mile walk to the reserve.

By road

Signed from A847 Bridgend to Bruichladdich road, 3 miles (4.8 km) from turn-off.

Sat nav POI file: If you have a satellite navigation system that can accept POI files, please see our POI page for a download link and instructions.

Other ways to get there

Ferry from mainland, Kennacraig to Port Askaig or Port Ellen on Islay. Contact Caledonian MacBrayne tel: 08705 650000. Flight from Glasgow. Operated by Loganair tel: 0344 800 2855. 

Access to facilities

Visitor centre
  • Entry via flat paved area.
  • Seating by large information table, and TV playing RSPB videos (no subtitles).
  • Print materials including local information map.
Car parking
  • Level Blue Badge bay at Visitor Centre.
  • Closer vehicular access to first hide for visitors with mobility difficulties.
  • Both surfaced with rolled stone.
Toilet and baby changing

The layout of the toilets may prove difficult for some wheelchair users.

Nature trails access
  • 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. Benches provided in viewing platform with back and arm support; further along the trail benches are also provided, though without back and arm support
  • The Moorland Trail is 1.25 miles (2 km) long and also includes a mixture of surfaces, including boardwalk, gravel and natural grasses. Simple benches are provided at the viewpoint without back and arm support. The Moorland Trail is not suitable for disabled visitors.
Viewing points
  • The South Hide is 300 meters from the hide car park. The North Hide, accessed via a step, is 800 m from the hide car park.
  • A viewing platform with handrails and level concrete surface on Woodland Trail, 40 m from hide car park. Benches with back and arm support.
  • Viewing area on Woodland Trail. Benches (without back and arm support)
  • Viewing area in visitor centre accessed via two stairways only.
Dogs
  • Registered assistance and other dogs under close control welcome.
  • Registered assistance dogs only permitted in hides.
  • Livestock present year-round.