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
Udale Bay
JemimavilleOpenSee opening timesAnd… relax! This peaceful intertidal bay on the Black Isle is home to thousands of waders, ducks and geese. Spend a while watching the big flocks of migrating wigeons gathering to feed on Eelgrass or watch Ospreys fishing in the bay.
About
Sit and watch the world go by at Udale Bay or explore the variety of the bay's coastal, estuary, mudflat and wetland habitats. There’s lots to see from the site’s hide as well along the nature trail to the viewing screen at Kirkmichael.
We manage the wet grassland fields with the help of grazing cattle and volunteers to keep the gorse scrub in check. This way, the fields are open for waders including Lapwing, Snipe and Redshank. We remove invasive species like Common Cordgrass within the bay to protect bird feeding and roosting areas and the iconic saltmarsh plants like Sea Aster and Thrift.
At a glance
There are four car parks to access Udale Bay from:
Main hide: Car parking (Highland Council layby) at the reserve hide. Space for four cars.
Kirkmichael Viewing Screen: Car parking (RSPB) at the viewing screen. Space for four cars.
Ivy Cottage: Highland Council car park, 0.5 mile east of Jemimaville. Space for four cars. Information board. No viewing facilities.
Newhall Point: Highland Council car park.
There are no toilets here. Nearest accessible facilities (RADAR key) 5 miles (8 km) away in Cromarty, open seasonally.
Nearest baby changing facilities (RADAR key) 5 miles (8 km) away in Cromarty, open seasonally.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
There are no toilets here. Nearest toilets 5 miles (8 km) away in Cromarty, open seasonally.
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) and in areas with livestock, 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 Udale Bay
NSRO@rspb.org.uk Udale Bay, Dingwall, Highland, IV7 8LU 01463 715000