An all-season mountain experience with walks, ice climbs and wildlife sightings from moorland to woodland to mountain top.
On the irresistible northern shores of Loch Laggan, home to Britainâs largest inland beach, this nature reserve is chock full of beauty. Hill walkers and nature lovers alike will love visiting Creag Meagaidh, whether sticking to the waymarked trails of the lower slopes, or when venturing farther inland to the hidden lochans and tumbledown cliffs of bowl-shaped Coire Ardair. You can explore the impressive ridges and summit of the 1,130-metre Creag Meagaidh itself, or scout the landscape with binoculars for black grouse, mountain hare, badger, pine marten or red deer. In winter, those looking for white-knuckle thrills can tackle some of the best ice climbing routes in Britain, while itâs all change in summer: out go the peak workouts and ice picks, in come the ptarmigans, peregrines and picnics.
     National Nature Reserve car park. Toilets are a short walk away, but there are no facilities.
In short, all-year round. Summer brings in the more intrepid day-trippers from the Cairngorms National Park, while heavy winter snowfalls welcome local ski tourers and mountaineers from across Britain keen to test themselves on some of Scotlandâs hardest ice climbs. The reserveâs wildlife also varies dramatically throughout the year. Snow bunting and dotterel congregate in winter, keeping the mountain hare company, while in the summer, youâll see goldfinches, deer and high-flying eagles. Conservation work is ongoing year-round, with trees being brought back to life on the mountainâs rounded shoulders.