Garbh Eilean – Seals and Herons from a Loch Sunart Hide
A few hours.
The route
Garbh Eilean, the 'rough island', lies just off the north shore of Loch Sunart, west of Strontian, and Forestry and Land Scotland's wooden hide looks straight out at it through the oakwood.
Common seals often haul out on its rocks, herons nest on the islet beside it, and if you're lucky an otter or a sea eagle may pass along the loch.
Before you go
Book accommodation nearby
If you are staying over: here are ours nearest where the day starts and ends.
The nearest of ours is Glenhurich Lodge, 5 miles away. Sleeps 11.
The day
Sunart
A short walk through the oaks to a hide above the loch, and an hour of quiet watching. Bring binoculars and a warm layer.
About an hour and a half
Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide
An attraction
Garbh Eilean is beside the A861 about 9 kilometres west of Strontian, where the road along Loch Sunart is single track with passing places. Use the small parking area at the hide itself, the second of the two Forestry and Land Scotland car parks as you head west. Parking is £1 for an hour or £3 for the day, paid by card or RingGo, and Blue Badge holders park free. A short, smooth gravel path with a gentle slope and a boardwalk leads through the oakwood to the hide, about a quarter of an hour there and back. Inside are benches, openings onto the loch and a telescope. Common seals often lie out on Garbh Eilean's rocks, herons nest on the smaller island beside it, and otters, sea eagles and golden eagles are seen here at times, though never promised. Seals are easily disturbed, so stay in the hide, keep your voices down and bring binoculars. There are no toilets: the nearest are in Strontian.
If it rains
The hide has a roof and openings onto the loch, so a wet day still works; only the short path from the car is out in the weather.
Where to stay
Photographs by Dom Andrews and Der Waldbauernbub via Google