Beach camping in Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve

Nestled in the Moffat Hills, in Scotland’s Southern Uplands, the frothing waterfall of Grey Mare’s Tail is one of Britain’s highest, plunging around 200 feet (60 meters) from Loch Skeen down into the Moffat Water Valley. Created by glacial erosion over millions of years, the dramatic surrounding landscape is a designated nature reserve where outdoor enthusiasts can summit the peaks of Lochcraig Head and White Coomb for views extending as far as the Lake District over the English border. Wildlife enthusiasts are also drawn here to spot nesting peregrine falcons, feral goats roaming the hills and (with luck) ospreys fishing in the loch. While there are no private campgrounds within the reserve, wild camping is an option for respectful visitors following the Outdoor Access Code, and the Moffat Camping and Caravanning Site offers comfortable facilities a 20 minute drive away.

Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve is open to visitors all year round. Spring and summer are the best times to visit the Southern Uplands as the weather is typically at its best and daylight hours are long. As with everywhere in Scotland, the summer school holidays draw the biggest number of visitors.

• There is a small entry fee, which is paid at the car park (admission is free for National Trust for Scotland members.
• Interpretation panels in the car park provide useful visitor information.
• The nearest bathroom facilities are five miles away at St Mary’s Loch.
• There is no public transit access to the reserve: your own vehicle is essential.
• Even in summer, the weather can quickly change. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots are essential.
• If wild camping, be sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.