Accessibility Guide for RSPB Scotland Cottascarth and Rendall Moss

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  http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/B/bus-timetables.htm

 

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. 

Path to main entrance

From the street to the main entrance, there is level access.

Main entrance

The main entrance has level access.

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 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. 

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.