Camping in Forvie National Nature Reserve

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Upon first glance at the starkly beautiful bare sand and shifting dunes of Forvie National Nature Reserve, you may imagine yourself far from Scotland’s northeast coast. Forvie is not quite the Sahara, but it is home to Britain’s biggest sand dunes and Scotland’s most dramatic stretch of coast. Come here to take a walk along the beach; pick from four different trails through dunes, moorland or by the loch, and enjoy seeing a rich variety of wildlife, especially birds, including eiders and terns, as well as a number of wildfowl and waders. You’ll also likely spot seals hauled out at the mouth of the River Ythan. While there are no organized campsites within the reserve, Ythan Valley Campsite is around a 20-minute drive northwest.

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Upon first glance at the starkly beautiful bare sand and shifting dunes of Forvie National Nature Reserve, you may imagine yourself far from Scotland’s northeast coast. Forvie is not quite the Sahara, but it is home to Britain’s biggest sand dunes and Scotland’s most dramatic stretch of coast. Come here to take a walk along the beach; pick from four different trails through dunes, moorland or by the loch, and enjoy seeing a rich variety of wildlife, especially birds, including eiders and terns, as well as a number of wildfowl and waders. You’ll also likely spot seals hauled out at the mouth of the River Ythan. While there are no organized campsites within the reserve, Ythan Valley Campsite is around a 20-minute drive northwest.

99% (45)

Top-rated campgrounds

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Camping in Forvie National Nature Reserve guide

When to go

The reserve is open year-round and boasts a huge number of birds throughout the year. The best time to see eider ducks and terns is in the spring. During spring and summer colorful wildflowers blanket the cliffs, while the fall brings blooming heather and carpets of lichen. In winter you may spot snow buntings. From April to August, trails follow alternative routes in order to protect breeding terns.

Know before you go

  • This nature reserve is important for wildlife so visitors should visit responsibly, following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
  • Be sure to keep a distance from the seals. If the seals’ heads come up or they start shifting around, it means you are too close. Keep dogs under tight control and far away from seals.
  • The visitor center is open daily April to September and has displays and a film presentation about Forvie.
  • Stagecoach buses from Aberdeen to Peterhead stop in Collieston, a 20-minute walk from the visitor center.