Merkinch Local Nature Reserve Tours

Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is a bit of a hidden treasure, located only about a mile (2 km) outside of Inverness along the shore of Beauly Firth. As the only nature reserve in the highlands, it is the perfect area to observe the diverse wildlife of this sparsely populated region and enjoy a day outdoors. There is a visitor center, once used as a ferry ticket office, where you can delve into small exhibitions and also pick up maps or hire a guide for a walk around the area. Animal spotters will also find a logbook detailing the latest wildlife sightings and can then set out to spot the highlands' biodiversity themselves.
Looking over the Beauly Firth shoreline, you can watch steel blue barn swallows catching insects, buzzards sitting tall atop tree branches, pheasants with bright gold and brown plumage, shy curlews probing the waters for crabs with their extremely long curved beaks and the big grey herons stalking their prey. If you're lucky, you can even see bottlenose dolphins coming up for air, common seals and the more active European otters. They all live in and around tidal pools and both salt and freshwater marshes, some of which are partially connected to the sea.
Practical Info
It's possible to walk to the reserve via Kessock Road toward South Kessock or to save time by catching bus 14. There is also a small parking area at the entrance. The site is open all year-round, while the visitor center is open only on weekends from April to September.
Address: 4 Grant Street, Inverness IV3 8BL, Scotland
Hours: Daily
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Merkinch Local Nature Reserve
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Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness
This biking tour around Inverness takes you to more places than you'd see on foot and to places that buses and cars cannot reach. The Waterways Tour rides along the River Ness and The Caledonian Canal, making many stops along the way to learn about the area from your guide who has lived in Inverness all their life.
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From
$33.41
From
$33.41
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

City Sightseeing Inverness Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Explore historic Inverness along the banks of the lovely River Ness on this hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. With your 24-hour pass, create your own adventure with 11 possible stops including Abertarff House, Caledonian Canal, Merkinch Nature Reserve and Inverness Castle. As you travel via double-decker coach learn about the city’s history and culture from your expert guide.
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From
$13.92
From
$13.92
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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