Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve
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Overview
The 3,432ft summit of the Ben Wyvis NNR in Inverness is carpeted with grey-green woolly hair moss, but tread lightly as this important semi-arctic habitat is easily damaged. In summer, you might be lucky enough to see flocks of dotterel, while in late autumn, the mountain resounds with the roaring of rutting red deer stags, and the heath is dotted with a mosaic of dwarf shrubs, ranging from the bright red berries of the cowberry and bearberry through to the blue-black of the blaeberry and the glossy black of the crowberry and mountain bearberry. On the lower ground, the mosses are rich and lush, and butterflies and dragonflies like the large red damselfly and golden-ringed dragonfly are found in and around the burns and pools. A winter ascent might be rewarded by seeing ptarmigan or mountain hare in their winter-white plumage, and the breathtaking views from the summit extend the length of the Moray Firth.
About the area
Apart from the Orkneys and the Shetlands, Highland is Scotland’s northernmost county. Probably its most famous feature is the mysterious and evocative Loch Ness, allegedly home to an ancient monster that has embedded itself in the world’s modern mythology, and the region’s tourist industry.
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Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
The Ben Wyvis Hotel
The Ben Wyvis Hotel is situated in idyllic woodland in the Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer in the shadow of its namesake mountain. It's a great base for exploring the Scottish Highla...
Bunchrew House Hotel
Overlooking Beauly Firth, this impressive mansion house dates from the 17th century, being completed in 1621 by Simon the eighth Lord Lovat. It retains much of its original character no...
Royal Highland Hotel
Built in 1858 adjacent to the railway station, the Royal Highland Hotel has a typically grand Victorian foyer with comfortable seating. The contemporary ASH Brasserie and bar is a refre...
Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, World Hotels Distinctive
The Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa is set on the north side of the River Ness, close to the Eden Court theatre and a short walk from the town centre, this hotel has a conte...
Heathcote B&B
Only a few minutes' walk from the Eden Court Theatre and the centre of Inverness, Heathcote B&B is ideally situated for touring, whether you're searching for the Loch Ness monster or do...
Glenmoriston Town House Hotel
Bold contemporary designs blend seamlessly with the classical architecture of this stylish hotel which is situated on the banks of the River Ness. Delightful day rooms include a well-st...
Ness Walk Hotel
Ness Walk is a 15-minute walk from the city centre. The hotel is built around a 19th-century house with a newer building blending in to give guests the best of both worlds. Bedrooms cat...
Rocpool Reserve Hotel
Rocpool Reserve is a beautiful townhouse hotel in a great location in a residential area close to the city centre. A high level of personal service is offered, and bedrooms provide luxu...
