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Nature Reserves in United Kingdom

Nature Reserves in Scotland

Nature Reserves in Scotland

Nature Reserve Guide

Scotland is home to more than 20 nature reserves, designated to protect nationally and internationally important habitats and species. These protected areas span the country, safeguarding a diverse range of landscapes from coastal sand dunes and dramatic sea cliffs to ancient Caledonian pinewoods, vast peat bogs, and mountainous Highland terrain. The network of trails within these reserves provides extensive opportunities for human-powered outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and running.

Nature Reserves in Scotland

This guide to the best nature reserves in Scotland aggregates more than 1,000 routes for hiking, cycling, and running, with over 55,000 komoot community members sharing their experiences. Among the most popular nature reserves in Scotland, Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve offers challenging hiking routes across its mountainous terrain. The accessible paths at Loch Leven National Nature Reserve make it a significant site for cycling and birdwatching around the wetland habitat. In the Highlands, Glen Affric National Nature Reserve contains routes through ancient pinewoods, lochs, and mountains, while St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve features hiking trails along its dramatic coastal cliffs. These reserves offer a focused look at specific ecosystems, providing a distinct experience centered on conservation and wildlife.

1733

Routes

4.5

(5182)

Average rating

57K+

Explored with komoot

Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.6

(793)

8,825

hikers

#1.

Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve

Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve offers diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging across its mountainous terrain, including Ben Lawers and Loch Tay.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(552)

6,104

hikers

#2.

Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve

Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve is a rare raised bog in Scotland, offering routes for cycling, hiking, and more across its flat terrain and wetlands.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(349)

4,968

hikers

#3.

Loch Leven National Nature Reserve

Loch Leven National Nature Reserve is a significant Scottish wetland site with diverse habitats and accessible paths for hiking, cycling, and jogging. It's known for its important bird populations.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(237)

4,096

hikers

#4.

Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve

Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve features dramatic river gorges and ancient woodlands, offering diverse routes for hiking, jogging, and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

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Cycling

4.4

(205)

3,718

hikers

#5.

Cairnsmore Of Fleet National Nature Reserve

Cairnsmore Of Fleet National Nature Reserve offers diverse upland terrain, from low-level paths to a prominent summit, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(387)

3,547

hikers

#6.

Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve

Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve offers an 11,000-year-old Ice Age landscape with diverse habitats for hiking, cycling, and running routes. Explore its distinctive "whale-back" ridge.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(570)

3,535

hikers

#7.

Glen Affric National Nature Reserve

Glen Affric National Nature Reserve offers diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging through ancient pinewoods, lochs, and mountains in the Scottish Highlands.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(238)

2,522

hikers

#8.

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve offers hiking and cycling routes through a unique geological landscape of ancient crags and lochans in the North West Highlands Geopark.

Hiking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.4

(240)

2,134

hikers

#9.

St Abb'S Head National Nature Reserve

St Abb'S Head National Nature Reserve features dramatic coastal cliffs and varied terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging, with expansive North Sea views.

Hiking

Running

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(149)

1,979

hikers

#10.

Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve

Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve offers diverse landscapes, from mountain massifs to ancient woodlands, with routes for hiking, mountain biking, and more.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Cycling

4.5

(100)

1,908

hikers

#11.

Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve

Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve features diverse coastal landscapes, sand dunes, and pine forests, offering varied routes for hiking and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(209)

1,865

hikers

#12.

Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve

Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve on Scotland's east coast offers diverse coastal habitats and pinewoods, providing varied terrain for hiking and cycling routes.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

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Cycling

4.7

(85)

1,621

hikers

#13.

Isle Of May National Nature Reserve

Isle Of May National Nature Reserve is a small island in the Firth of Forth with volcanic cliffs and varied paths for hiking. Explore its unique natural landscape and abundant wildlife.

Hiking

Running

Road cycling

Cycling

4.4

(239)

1,598

hikers

#14.

Noss National Nature Reserve

Noss National Nature Reserve offers dramatic coastal scenery and significant seabird colonies, with diverse landscapes for hiking, road cycling, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(152)

1,565

hikers

#15.

Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve

Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve is an ancient "Celtic rainforest" on Loch Creran, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging amidst sessile oak and ash woodlands.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(94)

1,380

hikers

#16.

Glen Roy National Nature Reserve

Glen Roy National Nature Reserve features dramatic mountain scenery, river valleys, and the unique "Parallel Roads," offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(59)

1,267

hikers

#17.

Forvie National Nature Reserve

Forvie National Nature Reserve features extensive sand dunes, coastal heathland, and the Ythan Estuary, offering diverse routes for hiking, jogging, and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(75)

1,098

hikers

#18.

Glen Nant National Nature Reserve

Glen Nant National Nature Reserve is a protected area in Argyll, Scotland, renowned for its ancient woodlands and diverse terrain, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.3

(218)

1,007

hikers

#19.

Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve

Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve offers diverse coastal wetlands, woodlands, and reedbeds, providing varied terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging routes.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(60)

910

hikers

#20.

Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserve

Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserve is a lowland raised bog in Scotland, offering hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking routes across its unique peat and moorland.

Hiking

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Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

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Most popular routes in Scotland

Hiking in Scotland

Nature to explore in Scotland

National Landscapes in Scotland

Frequently Asked Questions

What are nature reserves in Scotland?

Nature reserves in Scotland are areas designated to protect important habitats and species. They range from coastal cliffs and ancient woodlands to mountain plateaus and wetlands. This page aggregates over 20 of these reserves, including notable sites like Glen Affric National Nature Reserve and St Abb'S Head National Nature Reserve.

How many nature reserves are in Scotland?

Scotland has over 100 designated National and Local Nature Reserves. This guide provides detailed information and routes for 25 of these protected areas, featuring more than 1,700 trails shared by the komoot community.

What activities are available in Scotland's nature reserves?

The primary activities in Scottish nature reserves are human-powered, including hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Many reserves offer waymarked trails suitable for these sports. For example, Loch Leven National Nature Reserve has accessible paths ideal for cycling and walking, while Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve provides challenging mountain hiking.

Which are some of the most visited nature reserves in Scotland?

Based on visitor numbers from the komoot community, some of the most frequented reserves include Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, known for its mountainous terrain, and Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve, which protects a rare raised bog habitat. Loch Leven National Nature Reserve is also popular, especially for its wetland environment and birdlife.

What kind of hiking is available in Scottish nature reserves?

Hiking opportunities range from gentle woodland walks to strenuous mountain ascents. Reserves like Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve offer trails through river gorges. For more challenging hikes, Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve features a route to its distinctive 'whale-back' ridge.

Are there cycling routes in Scotland's nature reserves?

Yes, many nature reserves contain routes suitable for cycling. Loch Leven National Nature Reserve features a well-maintained path of approximately 13 miles (21 km) around the loch, suitable for most bikes. Other reserves, such as Cairnsmore Of Fleet National Nature Reserve, have trails that cross varied terrain, offering options for both touring and mountain biking.

Are there family-friendly or easy walks in Scottish nature reserves?

Yes, several reserves offer accessible and easier trails suitable for families. Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve has a short, flat boardwalk trail that provides insight into the raised bog ecosystem. Similarly, many of the paths in Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve follow the river and are relatively gentle.

What are the landscapes like in Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve?

Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve is characterized by a mountainous landscape, encompassing several Munros including Ben Lawers itself, one of the highest peaks in the Southern Highlands. The terrain includes high ridges, steep slopes, and the shores of Loch Tay. It is known for its arctic-alpine plant life, which thrives in the high-altitude conditions.

What is notable about Glen Affric National Nature Reserve?

Glen Affric is a classic Highland landscape containing one of Scotland's largest remaining areas of ancient Caledonian pinewood. The reserve features a mix of pine, birch, and oak forests surrounding picturesque lochs, such as Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a' Mheadhain. Its trails are popular for walking and mountain biking, offering routes through the forest and into the surrounding mountains.

What can I see at St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve?

St Abb's Head is a coastal headland known for its dramatic cliffs, which are home to large colonies of nesting seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. The reserve features walking trails along the clifftops that provide expansive views over the North Sea. The landscape also includes Mire Loch, a freshwater loch situated just inland from the cliffs.

How do nature reserves differ from National Parks in Scotland?

Nature reserves are designated specifically to protect habitats or species, often focusing on a particular ecosystem like a wetland or ancient forest. National Parks in Scotland are much larger areas that encompass a wide variety of landscapes, towns, and villages, with broader aims for conservation, visitor management, and sustainable development. A National Park may contain several smaller nature reserves within its boundaries.

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