Ben Wyvis Nature Reserve
Place Description
Ben Wyvis is situated 15 miles west of Inverness off the A835 road. The mountain itself consists of a series of peaks, but the whole range comes under the name Ben Wyvis. The highest part is Glas Leathad Mar (great green broad slope) at 1046m. It forms a high-level ridge with two deep craggy corries on its eastern face that contrasts with the steep grassier slopes that sweep up from the forests to the west. Over 170 species of plant can be found on and around the mountain, including many rare alpine species.
Wildlife Description:
Red and Roe Deer are commonly seen as are Mountain Hares and Pine Martin and Red Squirrel can be found among the woods. Ptarmigan, Red Grouse and Dotterel inhabit the upper slopes while Ravens, Golden Eagle, Buzzard, Peregrines and other birds of prey can be spotted overhead. Many types of Butterfly, including the Large Heath Butterfly that breed in wet boggy habitats among the hare's-tail cotton grass. Dragon and Damsel fly can be found on the lower heathland at the edges of the lochans.
Habitat:
Ben Wyvis's upper slopes consist of moss-heath while the lower slopes consist of blanket bog, lochans, streams and woodland. There are several paths leading to the summit and visitors are advised to stick to the paths in order to preserve the rare Alpine plants.
Directions:
Car: The Reserve can be accessed from the A835, Inverness to Ullapool road, at Garbat, where there is a Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) car park on the east side of the road. From here a path follows the north bank of the Allt a Bhealaich Mhair to the Reserve entrance, where there is interpretation, and a surfaced path up to around 600 m.
Best Time to Visit:
Throughout the year but Spring and Summer for birdlife and alpine plants. *Deer stalking takes place between August and October.