Wildlife-watching campsites in Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve

Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve is home to a rare fragment of the ancient oakwood that once stretched from Portugal to Norway. The lush, green landscape is cloaked in mosses, lichens and liverworts, which thrive alongside wildlife, such as pine martens, otters and the occasional wildcat, as well as insect life including dragonflies and such rare butterflies as the small and quick chequered skipper. Visitors can follow paths and trails through the reserve and learn about its rich flora and fauna through interpretation boards. While there is no camping in the reserve, Sunart Camping has pitches for tents and campervans close to the shores of Loch Sunart, just an eight-minute drive away.

While it makes for a great destination all year round, the reserve has different highlights throughout the year. Spring is the best time to see birds, such as redstarts, wood warblers and tree pipits. Summer is your best bet for spotting the chequered skipper butterfly. Fall promises rich colors and the spectacle of rutting red deer, while winter is the best time to see mosses and liverworts, as well as birds of prey including buzzards.

• The main track is wide and level and runs directly from the parking lot.
• Wear sturdy footwear and take care on the paths, some of which are steep, narrow and often wet with loose stones and protruding tree roots.
• The closest public bus stop is 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometres) away, in Strontian on the Fort William to Kilchoan route.