Loch of Strathbeg Nature Reserve

For families with young children, the Tower Pool Hide trail is highly recommended. It's an easy 850-meter walk, perfect for a relaxed stroll and wildlife spotting. The reserve also offers other gentle paths suitable for families, focusing on accessibility and engaging views of the loch and its inhabitants.

Yes, the reserve strives for accessibility. The visitor centre has accessible toilets and a stairlift to the upstairs viewing gallery. While many paths are gravel, making them generally suitable, some sections might be easier with robust pushchairs or all-terrain wheelchairs. It's always a good idea to check with the RSPB visitor centre for the latest path conditions.

As a nature reserve managed by the RSPB, the primary focus is on protecting wildlife. Therefore, dogs are generally not permitted on the trails or in the hides to prevent disturbance to the birds and other animals. Assistance dogs are usually an exception. Please check the official RSPB website for their specific dog policy before your visit.

Families can look forward to seeing a wide array of birds, especially during autumn and winter when thousands of pink-footed geese, whooper swans, and teals arrive. Throughout the year, you might spot various other wetland birds, and the reserve is also home to a herd of Konik ponies, which graze the wetlands. Interactive exhibits at the visitor centre can help children learn more about the local wildlife.

The visitor centre at Starnafin offers panoramic views of the reserve, four observation hides, a viewing screen, and toilets. It also features interactive exhibits to engage visitors of all ages. The centre is generally open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.

To fully enjoy the reserve, including exploring a trail like the Tower Pool Hide trail, spending time in the hides, and visiting the interactive exhibits at the visitor centre, a family might comfortably spend 2 to 3 hours. If you're keen on extensive birdwatching or exploring multiple trails, you could easily extend your visit.

The reserve itself does not have a cafe, but visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments. For dining options, you would need to venture to nearby towns. Crimond is approximately 1 mile away, and Fraserburgh is about 20 minutes by car, both offering various cafes and pubs.

The reserve is exceptional for birdwatching during autumn and winter (October to March) when thousands of migratory geese and swans arrive, creating a spectacular sight. Spring also offers opportunities to see breeding birds like terns and gulls. Any time of year provides a chance to see various species, but the sheer numbers in colder months are particularly impressive for children.

The reserve has a rich history, having once been an inlet of the sea before a storm in 1720 formed a sandbar, transforming it into a freshwater loch. You can still see the preserved remains of a 230-year-old windpump, a testament to 18th-century attempts to drain parts of the loch for farmland. The area also has connections to both World Wars, having served as a seaplane base and featuring a disused aerodrome.

While the reserve is easily accessible by car from the A90 at Crimond (postcode AB43 8QN), public transport options are limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for services to Crimond or Fraserburgh, and then consider a taxi or a longer walk to reach the reserve, as direct public transport to the visitor centre is not widely available.

Given the coastal location and open nature of the reserve, it's best to dress in layers, as weather can change quickly. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are recommended, especially during cooler months. Comfortable walking shoes or boots are essential for navigating the gravel paths and trails. Don't forget binoculars for wildlife spotting!