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
Troup Head
NorthfieldOpenSee opening timesPatches of wildflowers tumble into soaring cliffs, dotted with nesting Gannets, Guillemots and Razorbills, as porpoises and dolphins swim offshore.
About
The Northfield Road, which is the access road to Troup Head, will be closed from Saturday 9 May until Tuesday 12 May. The reserve will not be accessible, sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment caused.
The high cliffs of Troup Head provide a spectacular setting for Scotland's largest mainland Gannet colony. There are also thousands of Kittiwakes, Guillemots and Razorbills here, along with several other species. You may even be lucky enough to see porpoises, Minke Whales or dolphins offshore.
Twenty-nine hectares of cliff-face rise to more than 90m, offering nesting perches, nooks and crannies to over 50,000 seabirds each year. In the spring, tens of thousands of these seabirds return, including Gannets and the Puffins that nest in burrows or crevices. Summer on the cliffs is a noisy affair, with a bustling seabird city crammed onto the cliffs. Offshore, Bottle-nosed Dolphins, porpoises and other cetaceans can often be seen in the clear waters.
At a glance
20 spaces. There is a small car park with unmarked bays. There are no designated accessible spaces.
Main path from car park to reserve gate is 920m of unconsolidated hardcore, sloped in places 1.2m wide with 1 accessible gate. Gates on to reserve have restricted opening, the smallest is 35cm. Steep flights of steps. No bike racks.
There are no toilets here. Nearest accessible facilities, in Banff, 11 miles (17 km) away.
There are no toilets here. Nearest baby changing facilities, in Banff, 11 miles (17 km) away.
Flight of steps. Narrow in places. Uneven and unsurfaced.
Flight of steps. Narrow in places. Uneven and unsurfaced.
There are no toilets here. Nearest toilets in Banff, 11 miles (17 km) 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.
Dogs should be kept under close control due to the exposed cliff edges and nesting birds.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Troup Head
strathbeg@rspb.org.uk Scotland Troup Head, Banff, Aberdeenshire, AB45 3JJ 01346 532017