Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
Kinlochewe, United Kingdom
Britain’s first national nature reserve, created in 1951 to protect old Caledonian pinewood above Loch Maree. The visitor centre on the A832 and the Glas Leitire car park give access to waymarked woodland and mountain trails.
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve was established in 1951 as Britain's first national nature reserve. It covers about 48 sq km, from the shore of Loch Maree to the mountain tops. Among its aims is to conserve and expand the remnants of the old Caledonian pine forest. The reserve is home to golden eagles and crossbills, and the islands of Loch Maree are part of it too.
The visitor centre stands about 3 km north-west of Kinlochewe on the A832 and is open from April to October (as of October 2026). From the Coille na Glas-Leitir car park, about 2.5 km further west, the Woodland Trail and the Mountain Trail begin. The mountain path is just over 6 km long, takes three to four hours and is steep and demanding; sturdy footwear is essential. For more views over Loch Maree, try the Slattadale car park, about 15 km further along the A832 towards Gairloch. According to NatureScot, the area is especially beautiful in winter, though snow is possible.
- Nearest town
- Kinlochewe, United Kingdom
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 57.6130, -5.3080
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Kinlochewe Caravan Club SiteMotorhome stopover1 km from Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve · 61 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Beinn Eighe CampsiteCampsite1 km from Beinn Eighe National Nature ReserveTentsDrinking waterToiletsFree
- Torridon Camp SiteCampsite14 km from Beinn Eighe National Nature ReserveTentsDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Ledgowan Lodge CampsiteMotorhome stopover14 km from Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve · 1 pitchesCaravansMotorhomes
- Shieldaig Camping and CabinsCampsite23 km from Beinn Eighe National Nature ReserveTentsCaravansDogs allowed
- Poolewe Caravan & Camping ClubCampsite24 km from Beinn Eighe National Nature ReserveTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve?
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve is in Kinlochewe, United Kingdom, at GPS 57.6130, -5.3080. It is about 14 km from Torridon.
Can you camp near Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Kinlochewe Caravan Club Site, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve?
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Wester Ross: Bealach na Bà, Torridon and Loch Maree.
What is there to see near Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve?
Places worth a stop nearby: Corrieshalloch Gorge (23 km), Bealach na Bà (32 km), Plockton (38 km) and Eilean Donan (40 km).
When is the best time to visit Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve?
Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)