Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, Wester Ross

National Park in Wester Ross

Beinn Eighe from Abhainn Bruachaig
Beinn Eighe from Abhainn Bruachaig
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ibn Musa / Beinn Eighe from Abhainn Bruachaig

Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve (locally pronounced “Ben Ay”) is a spectacular sweep of mountains and ancient woodland on the shores of Loch Maree, just outside the village of Kinlochewe in Wester Ross. It was the first place in Britain to be declared a National Nature Reserve in 1951, and you feel that “flagship” status immediately: Caledonian pine remnants down low, moorland and scree higher up, and a skyline of rugged sandstone peaks that looks carved rather than weathered.

For anyone building an outdoors-focused Highlands itinerary, this is one of the top sights in Kinlochewe and an easy highlight to weave into a walking tour of Kinlochewe, especially if you want a mix of gentle woodland wandering and a more challenging viewpoint hike. The reserve’s practical heart is the small visitor centre at Aultroy, while the real “choose your own adventure” moment happens a little further west at the Coille na Glas-Leitir car park, where you can pick between a Scots pine woodland trail or a tougher loop that opens up to views across Loch Maree to Slioch.

History and Significance of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

Beinn Eighe became Britain’s first National Nature Reserve in 1951, a milestone that reflects just how rare and valuable its habitats are. The reserve protects a remarkable cross-section of the northwest Highlands: lochside pinewoods and birch, upland heather and rock, and the stark mountain architecture that defines the Torridon area.

Its woodlands are especially important because they preserve fragments of ancient Caledonian pine forest, including veteran “granny pines” that have endured for centuries on the slopes above Loch Maree. These aren’t plantation woods; they’re survivors, and walking among them feels like stepping into a far older Scotland than the roads and car parks suggest.

The reserve's significance isn't only ecological, though. It's also one of the best places to understand Wester Ross as a landscape shaped by geology, weather, and time-where the mountains feel primeval and the loch views are so open and clean that they reset your sense of scale.

Things to See and Do in the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

Begin at the Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre at Aultroy if you want a quick orientation before you commit to a route. The short trails from here are a good warm-up, and they’re ideal if the weather is mixed or you’re travelling with someone who wants a calmer, low-gradient walk rather than a big hike.

For classic Caledonian pine atmosphere, head to Coille na Glas-Leitir and take the woodland trail through Scots pine and native woodland. It’s a rewarding option when you want a sense of place without a huge climb, and it’s one of the best ways to spot birds and soak up that quiet, resin-scented Highland woodland feeling.

If you're up for more effort, the mountain trail from the same car park turns the day into a proper half-day hike, with a steeper, more physical route and a payoff of big views over Loch Maree toward Slioch. This is the walk that makes people fall a little bit in love with Wester Ross: the loch turns silver, the hills stack in layers, and the reserve's “from forest to mountain” story becomes something you've actually travelled through with your feet.

How to Get to the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve sits on the A832 near Kinlochewe, at the southeast end of Loch Maree, and it's best approached as a dedicated stop rather than something you squeeze into a tight schedule.

The nearest airports are Inverness Airport (INV) for the most direct Highland access, with Glasgow Airport (GLA) and Edinburgh Airport (EDI) as larger alternatives if you're building a longer Scotland road trip. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Wester Ross on Booking.com.

If you're coming by train, the nearest station is Achnasheen on the Inverness-Kyle of Lochalsh line, then you'll need a taxi or bus connection onward to Kinlochewe. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

There is limited bus service between Inverness and Kinlochewe, so if you're relying on public transport, plan your return options before you set off and keep a buffer for gaps.

Driving is the simplest way to reach the visitor centre and trail car parks, and it also gives you the flexibility to add Loch Maree viewpoints and nearby villages in the same day.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Visitor Centre: April – October: Daily: 10:00–17:00.
  • Official website: https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/beinn-eighe-and-loch-maree-islands-national-nature-reserve
  • Best time to visit: Late spring and early autumn often give you the best balance of light, fewer midges, and clearer views, while summer is lush but can be busier and more insect-heavy on still days.
  • How long to spend: A relaxed visit is 2-4 hours if you do the visitor centre and a woodland trail, while a mountain route can turn it into a half-day outing.
  • Accessibility: Some visitor-centre trails are easier underfoot, but many routes involve uneven surfaces, steps, and steep gradients, so choose your trail to match your group.
  • Facilities: Use the visitor centre as your practical base for information and toilets in season, and bring water and layers because conditions can change quickly in the hills.

Where to Stay Close to the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in central Inverness for museums, food, and easy transport links, but for a trip focused on hiking and landscapes, Kinlochewe and the Loch Maree corridor are the best base for early starts and minimal driving. The most convenient option is Kinlochewe Hotel, which puts you right on the doorstep for dawn light and quieter trails. If you want a special-occasion Highlands stay with superb service and a dramatic setting, The Torridon makes an excellent base for combining Beinn Eighe with Glen Torridon scenery. For a more secluded, lochside retreat that suits slow evenings and scenic drives, Shieldaig Lodge is a strong choice, especially if you’re pairing mountains with the coast.

Is the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve Worth Visiting?

Yes, particularly if you want a Highlands experience that feels both iconic and grounded. The reserve gives you real variety-ancient pinewood, loch views, and serious mountain terrain-in one place, with trails that let you scale the day up or down depending on weather and energy.

It’s also worth visiting because the setting is genuinely distinctive. The combination of Loch Maree’s wide water and the Torridon-style peaks gives the landscape a bold, elemental feel, and even a short walk here can deliver the kind of “this is why we came to Scotland” moment people remember.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Beinn Eighe works well for families because you can keep it simple and still feel like you’ve had a proper nature day. The visitor-centre area and woodland routes are ideal for shorter attention spans, with plenty of small discoveries-pinecones, birdsong, and little viewpoints that feel like mini-rewards.

If you’re travelling with older kids or teens, you can turn it into a “choose the challenge” day by starting with the woodland trail and only committing to the longer hike if the weather and moods cooperate. Pack snacks, plan frequent pauses, and treat the reserve as an experience rather than a distance goal.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Beinn Eighe is the kind of place that naturally slows your pace. The woodland trails feel intimate and quiet, and the viewpoints over Loch Maree are perfect for lingering rather than rushing through a checklist.

If you want the most memorable version of the day, aim for softer light-early morning or later afternoon-then finish with a cosy meal back in Kinlochewe or a nearby lodge hotel. It’s a very “shared landscape” experience: big scenery, quiet conversation, and that satisfying tiredness you only get from being outside.

Budget Travelers

Beinn Eighe is an excellent budget stop because the best parts of the experience are free: walking, views, and wildlife. If you plan your transport well, you can build a full day around it without paying for much beyond food, fuel, or a local bus connection.

To keep costs down, choose one main trail rather than bouncing between multiple car parks, bring a packed lunch, and treat the visitor centre as your information hub rather than an “extra.” With sensible layers and good shoes, this is one of those Highlands days where the landscape does the heavy lifting.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (628)

Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve Visitor centre in Kinlochewe offers a large, informative visitor centre with displays about the area, toilets and plenty of parking including disabled bays; several waymarked walking trails start here—from short, mostly flat routes to steeper options like the Buzzard walk that reward you with wide views—and a wildlife hide and viewing windows let you watch birds and occasionally red squirrels; some visitors note path direction markers can be easy to miss and signage on routes could be clearer, and overnight parking for a few vans has been used by others seeking dark skies.

Chris Hughes
2 months ago
"This is a great little visitors center with plenty of information about the park. The wildlife hide at the back of the visitors center is open 24h aday. We parked here overnight too for £10. The signage appears to have dropped the "suggested" as they have moved to using Ringo (with a dedicated overnight code). Well worth it though for a dark sky, peacefully nights sleep away from the road. 5 vans can be accommodated here...."
Louise Russell
4 months ago
"The Pathways could do with better signages but a fab place for walks. We tried to do the Buzzard walk and ended up on all the routes I think, anddidn't actually manage the whole buzzard route. Some of the path direction markers are flat stone slabs in the ground that I also kept missing because I was looking at the scenery and butterflies etc. Who is looking at the ground constantly to look for way markers? Place has toilets. A wildlife hide. Plenty of parking including disabled bays. And also a huge visitor centre!..."
A e Godfrey
5 months ago
"Very informative display in centre. There are several walking trails. We did 2 of them which took 1 hour. Shortest walk was flat but buzzard walk wassteep in places but worth it for the views...."

FAQs for Visiting Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

Getting There

It’s just outside Kinlochewe at the southeast end of Loch Maree, with main access points along the A832. The visitor centre at Aultroy is a useful landmark for getting oriented.
Many visitors begin at the visitor centre area, then choose a shorter loop before deciding whether to drive to Coille na Glas-Leitir for the main woodland and mountain trails. It’s a good way to match your plan to the day’s weather.
Achnasheen is the nearest station, but you’ll still need a taxi or bus connection to reach Kinlochewe and the trailheads. It’s best to organise the last leg before you travel, especially outside peak season.
Yes, there are dedicated car parks at the visitor centre and key trailheads. In summer and on clear weekends, arriving earlier helps you avoid full car parks and gives you a calmer start.

Tickets & Entry

No, the reserve is open-access, which makes it easy to visit spontaneously. The main “cost” is time and preparation rather than entry.
Independent visits are straightforward because trails are well-established and the main access points are clear. A guided option can add depth if you want help spotting wildlife or understanding the landscape, but it isn’t essential.
The biggest one is treating this as mountain terrain even when you start in woodland. Weather changes fast here, so don’t assume a calm car park means a calm ridge.

Visiting Experience

A short, satisfying visit is a woodland trail plus a viewpoint stop, which can fit into 1-2 hours. If you have half a day, you’ll get much more from the reserve’s “forest to mountain” character.
Yes, because the woodland experience is still beautiful and atmospheric in softer weather. The key is adjusting expectations: treat the day as a nature walk rather than a big panorama mission.
Loch Maree viewpoints are the natural pairing, and Glen Torridon is a great add-on if you want more dramatic driving scenery. You can also keep it simple and spend the rest of the day wandering Kinlochewe and the lochshore.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, especially for travellers doing Wester Ross, the North Coast 500, or a Torridon-area loop. It’s a classic stop because it offers quality trails without needing a long approach hike.
A guide is most worthwhile if you’re keen on wildlife and want help spotting birds and identifying plants. If your priority is hiking and views, a self-guided visit usually delivers everything you need.
Start with a woodland trail, pause at a viewpoint, then finish with a short lochside stop for photos and a breather. It gives you a sense of the reserve without committing to a longer climb.

Photography

Yes, especially for wide landscape compositions with Loch Maree and the Torridon peaks in layers. Woodland shots can also be stunning here, particularly in softer light.
Early and late light tends to bring out the textures in the hills and gives Loch Maree a more reflective, silvery look. Midday can still work, but it often feels flatter unless the sky is dramatic.
There are no unusual restrictions for typical photography, but keep to paths where possible and avoid trampling sensitive ground for a shot. A steady, low-impact approach fits the reserve’s purpose.

Accessibility & Facilities

Some routes near the visitor centre are easier and more controlled, but many trails elsewhere are steep, stepped, or uneven. The best approach is to choose one accessible-friendly loop rather than trying to cover multiple trailheads.
Yes, you’ll find benches on some waymarked trails and plenty of natural resting spots. Building in short breaks improves the experience, especially if you’re mixing woodland walking with open hillside.
It depends on the route, as many paths are rough or stepped. If you’re travelling with a stroller, stick to the smoothest, lowest-gradient trails near the visitor-centre area.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Kinlochewe is the most practical place for a post-walk reset, with small local options that suit muddy boots and warm drinks. Gairloch is a good alternative if you’re continuing west and want more choice.
It’s a good idea, especially if you’re planning a longer hike or visiting outside the main season. Having snacks and water makes it easier to stay flexible and avoid rushing back.

Safety & Timing

Yes, if you stick to appropriate trails, check conditions, and keep your route realistic for daylight and weather. Let someone know your plan if you’re heading onto higher ground.
Early starts tend to be quieter and calmer, with a better chance of wildlife sightings. Later visits can be beautiful too, but allow enough time to finish comfortably before light fades.

Nearby Attractions to the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

  • Loch Maree: One of Scotland’s most scenic lochs, with viewpoints that make a perfect add-on before or after your walk.
  • Slioch viewpoint stops: Easy roadside and trail-access views toward one of the area’s most striking mountains across the water.
  • Glen Torridon: A dramatic valley drive with iconic Torridonian peaks and excellent hiking options for stronger walkers.
  • Inverewe Garden: A surprisingly lush coastal garden near Poolewe, famous for its plants and sea views in a Gulf Stream-influenced microclimate.
  • Gairloch: A relaxed coastal base with beaches and viewpoints that pair well with a Wester Ross road trip day.

The Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Wester Ross!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Visitor Centre: April - October: Daily: 10:00-17:00.

Price:

Free.

Wester Ross: 10 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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