Loch Ruthven is located in the north-central Highlands of Scotland about 20 km south of Inverness. It is a mesotrophic loch with rocky margins and extensive stands of Bottle Sedge Carex rostrata around much of the perimeter. A marshy zone is found at the west end of the loch where there is a transition from open water, through swamp and fen, to sedge-rich acidic grassland. This site is largely surrounded by Birch Betula spp. woods and the catchment comprises habitats such as upland heath and grassland, upland mire, swamp/fen/carr, wet lowland, grassland, rivers and streams. The loch supports an important breeding population of Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus (main picture).
The hide provides the perfect setting to watch the grebes without causing disturbance. Ospreys can be seen regularly and there is also a chance of seeing a peregrine , red kite or hen harrier.
Inset picture: Loch Ruthven Mike Pennington
We highly recommend the publications below to compliment your visit to this Region.
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