Whether you’re a seasoned photographer, budding amateur or simply fancy wildlife spotting for the day, we have a hide to suit you. Join us for a half-day hide visit or plan a day trip with us to get the most out of your visit.
Details of all the hides are summarised in a table at the bottom of the page;
If you’re visiting in the morning, we offer the Woodland Hide and Studio Hide.
For an afternoon visit, you can join us for Lunchtime with the woodland wildlife, our Main Red Kite Hide and our Red Kite Photography hide.
We endeavour to make our wildlife activities accessible for all and provide lifts to our hides wherever possible. If you require a lift, please contact us before booking. We regret that to minimise disturbance to the wildlife, dogs can’t accompany visits to the woodland and kite photography hides.
Check out our cancellation policy and our FAQ’s here
Main Red Kite Hide
Open all day and seating up to 30 people, our main red kite viewing hide offers great views of the birds and the surrounding landscape (distance to the feeding area: 50m).
The best time to visit is in the afternoon for the ranger-led visit when we put out the food for the birds.
Timings Feb-31st Oct: 1.45pm.
1st Nov-20th Feb: 1.15pm.
Prices
Adults £10
Concessions £9
Family Ticket ( 2 x adult, 2 x children) £24
Children aged 6-16 £4
Under 6s go free
The ranger will stay with you to enjoy the spectacle as the birds dive for their food, and tell you the rollercoaster history of kites in Scotland – it’s quite a story!
We make an entry charge at the formal visit time and you are of course welcome to take photographs. You are also welcome to drop in at other times of the day (honesty box system applies).
Number of visitors
Up to 30, non exclusive use. Contact us for exclusive use enquiries.
Access
Access to hide is a gentle slope 350m from car park. A lift to the hide might be available if you let us know ahead of time. The hide has bespoke viewing flaps available for wheelchair users.
We do recommend booking ahead confirm time and availability and particularly if a lift up to the hide would be helpful
Red Kite Photography Hide
A purpose-built hide for up to 3 photographers, the Red Kite Photography Hide brings you closer to the action (distance to the feeding area 35m) for an unforgetable encounter with nature!
This hide offers big viewing hatches, room for tripods or monopods and a photography shelf for those who prefer to shoot hand-held.
Prefer to photograph outdoors? An outdoor photography deck is included for your exclusive use for photo hide visitors.
The hide looks out onto a beautiful deciduous woodland copse, which provides the perfect backdrop to photograph kites against, even in overcast weather.
Prices £60 per session
Session lasts 2 hours
Timings Spring summer(21st Feb-31st Oct): 1.30pm.
Autumn / Winter (1st Nov-20th Feb): 1.00pm
Number of visitors
Up to 3, exclusive use.
Access
Access to hide is a gentle slope 350m from car park. A lift to the hide might be available if you let us know ahead of time. Access is from the main path (note: there are 3 steps up to the hide itself.)
Pre Booking is essential
Woodland Hide
Set in secluded woodland, this specialist 1-6-person hide gives close-up and intimate views of red squirrels and a spectacular array of woodland birds (including greater spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, long tailed tits and more.)
Additional floor level hatches offer the opportunity for eye-to-eye photography – be sure to bring along a short focal length lens as well as something longer as the wildlife can come very close indeed!
The booking is for exclusive use of the hide. The costs can of course be shared amongst your group.
Prices £90 for 1-3 photographers, £25 pp for each extra photographer.
Timings 0930 daily for 3.5hr session, bespoke timings available on request.
Number of visitors
1 to 6, exclusive use for you and your group.
Access
A walk across 2 fields then a short walk through the woods. A lift to the hide might be available if you let us know ahead of time.
Pre-Booking is essential
Studio Hide
The Studio Hide offers an opportunity to photograph red squirrels at their acrobatic best as they leap between our specially designed raised perches, searching for food.
As well as the main viewing window there is a floor level hatch and a side hatch with an eye level perch right beside the hide, giving the chance for intimate portraits of squirrels and woodland birds.
A short focal length lens is definitely to be included in your kit for this hide!
Prices £60 for 3.5hr session
Timings 0930 daily, bespoke timings available on request.
Number of visitors
1, exclusive use.
Access
A walk across 2 fields then a short walk through the woods. A lift to the hide might be available if you let us know ahead of time.
Pre-Booking is essential
Lunchtime with the woodland wildlife
Ever enjoyed a picnic in the company of red squirrels and woodland birds? No? Well now’s your chance! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the wildlife of one of Argaty’s most beautiful beech woods.
An ideal hide for non-photographers who simply enjoy wildlife watching.
For an action-packed half day of rewilding, why not book the Lunchtime Hide, followed by a trip to the red kites in the afternoon?
Prices
Adults £10
Family Ticket ( 2 x adult, 2 x children) £24
Children aged 6-16 £4
Under 6s go free
Timings 12noon for 60 mins (bespoke timings available upon request)
Number of visitors
Up to 15.
Access
A short walk from the car park. Also accessible by car.
Pre booking is essential
Our Hides at a glance…
You can view our Accessibility Statement for Argaty Red Kites here