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
Nigg Bay
AnkervilleOpenSee opening timesShallow pools surrounded by tussocky grass, rich mud peppered with webbed footprints, and huge flocks silhouetted against the sunset sky. Head to the hide at Nigg Bay to soak up the reserve's unique atmosphere.
About
Nigg Bay is a vast, wild area of mudflat, saltmarsh and wet grassland on the Cromarty Firth, north of Inverness. With years of careful management, the reserve now attracts graceful Pintails, Pink-footed Geese, wintering Wigeons, feisty Lapwings and much more.
The reserve is spectacular from October, as huge numbers of Pink-footed Geese and wintering ducks arrive to spend the winter in the shelter of the Cromary Firth. At the mid-winter peak, more than 10,000 birds stop to feed and shelter. Luckily, there's plenty of bay to go around. To experience the sight and sound of thousands of wintering Wildfowl, it's best to visit 2-3 hours before or after the high tide when the ducks, waders and geese are closest to the hide.
During the spring and summer, Northern Marsh-orchids pop out among the grass, and Water Smartweed grows in the scrape. Grazing the grassland creates a mix of short open grass and tall tussocky areas, excellent conditions for Lapwing, Snipe and Redshank.
Our brilliant volunteers help us rotationally coppice the gorse bushes to create an open habitat for the waders.
At a glance
4 spaces.
1 Blue Badge space.
The car park has a 2.1m vehicle height barrier at the entrance. The path from the car park to the hide is flat and approximately 150 m long, with tap-rails for visually impaired visitors.
Bike rack for eight bikes.
No toilets on the reserve.
Nearest toilets with accessible WCs are in Tain, 7 miles (11 km) away, at the Rose Garden, High Street.
No toilets on the reserve.
Nearest toilets with accessible WCs are in Tain, 7 miles (11 km) away, at the Rose Garden, High Street.
The path from the car park to the hide is flat and approximately 150 m long, with tap-rails for visually impaired visitors.
The path from the car park to the hide is flat and approximately 150 m long, with tap-rails for visually impaired visitors.
No toilets on the reserve.
Nearest toilets with accessible WCs are in Tain, 7 miles (11 km) away, at the Rose Garden, High Street.
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.
RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) we would ask that you keep your dog on a short lead and clean up after them.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Nigg Bay
NSRO@rspb.org.uk Nigg Bay, Tain, Highland, IV19 1PG 01463 715000