Dog-friendly camping in Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve

While the nature reserve is a pleasure to visit all year-round, June to September are the best months for seeing wildlife. Spring visitors can enjoy the colorful wildflowers and spot wild kid goats. Summer is filled with the cries of young peregrine falcons and ravens. In fall, the golden brown colors of the bracken and the blooming purple heather provide a beautiful backdrop to the sight of red deer stags roaming around. Hen harriers may be spotted in winter, as well as frogs, toads and newts in ditches and ponds.

• The nature reserve may seem remote, but it’s surprisingly accessible. The closest bus stop is under a mile (1.5 kilometres) away at Palnure.
• There is a visitor center with information about the reserve and its history. It is open 24 hours, year-round and also has wheelchair accessible restrooms.
• Visitors should familiarize themselves with, and take care to follow, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.