With its towering volcanic cliffs, swathes of beautiful beach, breathtaking displays of wildflowers and an unbelievable variety of insects and birds, St Cyrus is one of the richest and most diverse nature reserves in Britain.
The natural barriers of inland cliffs and a seaward ridge of sand dunes protect the St Cyrus grasslands from the ravages of the weather. In summer, the reserve is awash with colour and life, from the intense purple of the clustered bellflower to the constant movement of countless butterflies and moths. Soaring above all this, peregrine falcons circle high in the air, waiting for an opportunity to dive on their prey.
You may also be lucky enough to see common and grey seals, which occasionally bask on the sand banks at the mouth of the river, while dolphin, porpoise, minke, humpback and killer whales have all been sighted offshore.
Spring and summer is the best time to visit to see plants and breeding birds, whilst in winter you can spot wading birds. Admire the excellent views from the clifftop at the village end.
There are a number of paths that give access to the various parts of the reserve and you can walk the whole length of the beautiful golden beach, which stretches on for miles, during summer. There’s a visitor centre on site as well as toilets.