Udale Bay Viewpoint

A small viewpoint has room to pull in and leave bikes while you look out across the firth.

This is an RSPB reserve and one of the best places on the Black Isle for birdwatching. In autumn, thousands of pink-footed geese gather here, filling the sky and the shoreline. You might also see oystercatchers, curlews and wigeon in the shallows. The bay is tidal, so what you see depends on the water level. At high tide the birds are closer in, while at low tide the flats stretch far out.

It’s a quiet stop, just the sound of water and wings. The road keeps close to the bay, and just over a mile on stand the red sandstone walls of Kirkmichael Church.