The Desert Diva Fowlsheugh is a nature reserve in the North East of Scotland, run by the RSBP (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). You will find it just south of Stonehaven, some 30 minutes drive from Aberdeen. Fowlsheugh is one of the largest seabird colonies in Scotland; many thousands of birds such as seagulls, kittiwakes, shags, cormorants, fulmar, guillemots and razorbills, not forgetting the stars of the show – puffins can be found there, particularly in the spring and early summer.
The Scenery
The Flora
Birds and other wildlife
And last but not least, the whole reason for our visit – PUFFINS! (Did you know a baby puffin is called a puffling?
The site is open all the time; often it is unmanned but we were lucky on our visit as RSPB Volunteer John Bowman was perched on top of a cliff near the shelter at the end of the trail. He helped us find our first puffin and was generally a mine of useful information, giving us an insight to the reserve and its inhabitants.
Directions – from Stonehaven, take the A92 south and turn off the road at the brown sign saying “Crawton.” Follow this road for a couple of miles until you come to the small parking area, which is well signposted.
GPS – N56 54.675 E02 12.016.
The access road to the village of Crawton is very narrow so be sure to keep a look out for traffic coming the opposite way.
Take something to eat and drink – there are absolutely no facilities at this site and you may find yourself thirsty after a two mile walk!
This is not an ideal attraction for pre-school children – the path is near the cliff edge and the North Sea is 70 metres below!
Dogs are allowed but they must be kept under control at all times.
Read more about the reserve here.
Big thanks to my friend Fiona M for suggesting we visit here – we had a really grand day out!
Fiona McKibbin says:
Glad you enjoyed Fowlsheugh and also managed to see some puffins. They are beautiful wee birds.