Airstreams in Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve with horseback riding

The imposing granite hill of Cairnsmore of Fleet is the perfect setting for hillwalkers. Several trails cross the National Nature Reserve and over the Fleet Valley. The most accessible is the low-level In-bye trail, which departs from the Visitor Centre and takes you through the bleakly beautiful landscape. Longer, more strenuous, trails lead up to the escarpment and the Clints of Dromore, where the rough ground is only suitable for experienced and well-equipped walkers. While walking, look out for grouse and raptors, as well as red and roe deer roaming the moorland. On clear days you can see toward the Lake District, across to Ireland and north to Ayrshire. While there are no campsites within the nature reserve, the Glentrool and Balloch O’ Dee campsites are both within a 35-minute drive.

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.