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Welcome

When you visit this tranquil wildlife haven, you'll discover a magical mosaic of mires and heath that is a special place for some of the UK's most magnificent birds of prey - hen harriers, merlins and kestrels. Our wonderful turf-roofed stone hide at Cottascarth is a fantastic space in which to relax on a fine spring day and watch for the spectacular twisting, turning and swooping sky-dancing display flight of the hen harrier. You might also be lucky and spot a hunting short-eared owl. The car park offers panoramic views towards the northern isles of Orkney across Rendall Moss, a mosaic of mire, wet heath, scattered willow scrub and grassland, which is alive with the bubbling calls of curlew in spring.

 

RSPB Scotland Cottascarth and Rendall Moss nature reserve

Level access

The main entrance has level access.

There is level access from the car park to:

RSPB Cottascarth Car Park Picnic Area
The hide entrance has level access.

Getting here

For further information on accessible travel in Scotland, go to Transport Scotland.
RSPB Cottascarth and Rendall Moss
Lower Cottascarth, Rendall,
Orkney
KW17 2PA

Travel by public transport

You can get to RSPB Scotland Cottascarth and Rendall Moss by bus.
The nearest bus stop is at Norseman village, to the east of the reserve. The bus stop is 1.5 miles / 2.4 km from RSPB Scotland Cottascarth and Rendall Moss.

Alight from bus route No. 6 in Norseman Village and walk along the minor road (the Lyde Road) which leads west towards Harray, following the brown tourist sign for RSPB Cottascarth. Turn right at Settiscarth approximately 0.8 miles along the road, following the brown signs for the reserve, and the reserve entrance is a further 0.7 miles along this road. The road passes through the farmyard at Lower Cottascarth Farm (follow the signs for the hide) to the car park just above it. Lower Cottascarth is a working farm so please be considerate and aware of farm machinery and equipment as you pass through the farmyard. Please be aware that the there is a field gate on a steep slope from the farmyard across the track that leads to the car park and this may need to be opened by visitors at times. Up to date travel information can be found at https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/B/Bus-Services.htm 

 

Travel by taxi

You can get a taxi with Orkney Cabs by calling 01856 875000. The taxi company has a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
You can get a taxi with Craigies Taxis by calling 01856 878787.

Parking

There is parking near the venue. There are accessible parking spaces. The parking is less than 50 metres from the main entrance. Parking is free.
There is a drop-off point at the main entrance. The drop-off point has a dropped kerb.
From the car park to the entrance, there is level access. The route is 3000mm wide, or more.

There is a car park at Cottascarth and Rendall Moss reserve with a single designated accessible parking space. 

RSPB Cottascarth and Rendall Moss reserve car park RSPB Cottascarth and Rendall Moss designated accessible car parking space

Arrival

Path to main entrance

From the street to the main entrance, there is level access.
The path is 3000mm wide, or more.

Main entrance

The main entrance has level access.

Please note that there is no Visitor Centre and no toilets at the reserve. The only facilities are a birdwatching hide and nature trail, and the hide is situated 600m away from the car park along a sloping, partly unsurfaced trail, which can be muddy at times. There are no staff based at the reserve. Please also be aware that the there is a field gate on a steep slope from the Lower Cottascarth farmyard across the track that leads to the car park and this may need to be opened by visitors at times.

Getting around inside

Getting around outside

Designated Walking Trail

RSPB Cottascarth Hide Trail

The trail is 1200metres long. Some of the trail has a loose surface. There is a narrow kissing gate with an adjoining field gate 150 m along the track to the hide. The trail is sloped. The trail has seats. There are bird hides along the trail.

This is a linear trail and the total length given refers to the total return distance to the car park. The trail surfaces vary as you go along the track and their condition depends on the weather. The first 150 m from the car park to the cattle grid (Section 1) is made up of hard, firm crushed stone with some large stones, and is sloping in nature. This ends at a kissing gate with a field gate next to it.  The next section (Section 2) starts with the same surface but can become wet and muddy towards the end portion, particularly in winter, and is also on a slope. The final 200m of the track (Section 3) is an unsurfaced grassy sloping track which is often muddy in winter. There is a small wooden gate leading into the hide area. 

There is a picnic bench outside the Eddie Balfour Hide and a seat in the car park, in addition to the car park picnic area. 

 

The Eddie Balfour birdwatching hide Seat in car park at RSPB Cottascarth reserve Cottascarth Hide Trail showing surface in Section 1 Cottascarth Hide Trail kissing gate and adjacent field gate Cottascarth Hide Trail close up of kissing gate Cottascarth Hide Trail showing surface of lower end of Section 2 Cottascarth Hide Trail showing surface of upper end of Section 2 in winter Cottascarth Hide Trail showing surface of Section 3 Cottascarth Hide Trail wooden gate leading into hide area Ramp leading up to Eddie Balfour Hide Door into Eddie Balfour Hide Interior of Eddie Balfour Hide Windows in Eddie Balfour Hide Picnic bench outside Eddie Balfour Hide

The Eddie Balfour Hide

At the hide entrance, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The door is 850.00mm wide.
There are low windows in the hide, so wheelchair users can see outside.

Picnic Area

RSPB Cottascarth Car Park Picnic Area

From the car park to the picnic area, there is level access. The path is 5000mm wide, or more.
Some tables have space for wheelchair users. You can bring your own food to the picnic area.

The picnic area in the RSPB Cottascarth reserve car park is immediately adjacent to the designated accessible parking area, has space for wheelchairs and is surfaced. It offers wonderful views over Rendall Moss and out to the northern Orkney Isles. 

Cottascarth car park picnic area

Customer care support

Accessibility equipment

There is no designated toilet area for assistance dogs. Any rough ground by the sides of the trail or car park can be used, but please remove any dog waste from the site.
You can hire mobility equipment from Orkney Disability Forum by calling 01856 870340.
Guide info
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