Loch Ruthven RSPB

Loch Ruthven is an RSPB Nature Reserve and is one of the best places in the area to spot birds and wildlife.

It's tucked away on the quiet South Side of Loch Ness - from the A9 near Inverness take the B851 to Fort Augustus. Follow this road for about 8 miles, then turn off towards Croachy, where the RSPB Reserve is signposted. There is free parking available.

A trail leads from the parking area to the tranquil Loch, where you can spot birds such as the Slavonian grebe, black-throated divers, curlews and ospreys.