The Oa is a rugged place that may not be suitable for all visitors. The walks are unimproved pathways and the terrain can be rough in places. There are two nature walks, both unsuitable for wheelchairs. The west side of the reserve was designated a Special Protection Are (SPA) in 2007 for the protection of the breeding Choughs. There are two guided walks each month from May until September.

This reserve is made up of 11 small fields, none of which has ever been treated with artificial fertiliser or herbicide. Each meadow is different because of varying soil quality and depth. In some areas there are the remains of mine shafts and spoils. There are 2 dewponds.

Montrose is situated on the east coast of Scotland 40 miles south of Aberdeen and 30 miles north of Dundee on the A92. Montrose Basin Reserve is a tidal estuary at the mouth of the river South Esk and is a haven for over 50,000 winter and summer migratory birds and thousands of resident birds and visitors can view the wildlife from one of three hides on the reserve. There is a modern visitors centre with viewing windows and high powered telescopes and binoculars as well as live video cameras.

Loch of Strathbeg is located just north of the village of Crimond. There is a visitors centre, an Information Centre, hides, nature walks and guided walks available. There is also a car park, toilets (also disabled) and events put on, both for adults and especially for children.

The reserve has a small wheelchair friendly Visitors Centre that is open from 10.00am - 5.00pm on a daily basis, and from where the visitor can view Gruinart mud flats and saltmarsh from the viewing windows or operate the CCTV cameras for close ups of the feeding wildlife. There is a bird hide that is always open and is also wheelchair friendly, with a road running directly up to it. There are guided tours available from May - October (Thursdays at 10.00am) and by arrangement at other times.