Wildlife reserves · Scottish Lowlands
The Oa
Also known as: An Obha
In or near Port Ellen.
The Oa — peninsula in the southwest of Islay, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK.
Wikimedia Commons contributors — see linked file page for photographer and licence licence
Plan your visit
- Typical visit
- 2 h–4 h
- Best time of year
- Autumn & winter (migration & wildfowl)
- Free entry
- Dog-friendly
About
The Oa is a wildlife reserve in the United Kingdom. Managed by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Wikidata describes it as: "peninsula in the southwest of Islay, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK". Coordinates: 55.6167°, -6.2833°.
Photo gallery
Official information
The Oa is a nature reserve on Islay featuring dramatic sea cliffs, open moorland, and freshwater lochs. It is renowned for its diverse birdlife, including Golden Eagles and wintering Twite, making it a prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts.
From the Wikipedia article
The Oa ( OH) (Scottish Gaelic: An Obha) is a rocky peninsula in the southwest of the island of Islay, in Argyll, Scotland. It is an RSPB nature reserve.
Excerpt from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. See the source article linked in Sources below.
- Coordinates
- 55.6167, -6.2833
- District
- Argyll and Bute
- Postcode
- PA42 7AX
- Parliamentary constituency
- Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
- Phone
- 01496 300118
- Official site
- www.rspb.org.uk
Sources
- wikidata: Q1325866 (CC0)
- wikipedia: The Oa (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- commons: American Monument, Mull of Oa - geograph.org.uk - 592728.jpg (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Other places nearby
Glenastle Loch
Natural landmarks · 0.7 km
Maol Mhor
Mountains & hills · 0.7 km
Glenastle
Vineyards · 0.7 km
Maol Mhòr
Mountains & hills · 0.7 km
Lower Glen Astle
Gorges · 1.0 km
The Oa Parish Church
Historic houses · 1.2 km
Risabus Church, Oa, Islay
Historic churches · 1.2 km
Loch nan Gillean
Natural landmarks · 1.2 km
Asabus
Vineyards · 1.6 km
Maol Buidhe
Mountains & hills · 1.7 km
Loch Àrd Achadh
Natural landmarks · 1.7 km
Maol Buidhe
Mountains & hills · 1.8 km
Nearby
📷 3Natural landmarks · Scottish Lowlands
Glenastle Loch
Glenastle Loch — lake in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK.
📷 5Mountains & hills · Scottish Lowlands
Maol Mhor
Maol Mhor — a hill or mountain in scotland highlands.
📷 5Vineyards · Scottish Lowlands
Glenastle
Glenastle — a UK vineyard in scotland highlands, producing English or Welsh wine from cool-climate grape varieties.
📷 5Mountains & hills · Scottish Lowlands
Maol Mhòr
Maol Mhòr — mountain in scotland highlands. Elevation: 56 m.
📷 5📷 3Historic houses · Scottish Lowlands
The Oa Parish Church
The Oa Parish Church — a historic house in scotland-highlands, United Kingdom.
Where to eat & stay near The Oa
Places to stay
📷 5Campsites · Scottish Lowlands
Kintra Campsite
Kintra Campsite — a campsite in scotland highlands.
📷 3
📷 5
📷 5Campsites · Scottish Lowlands
Port Mòr Campsite
Port Mòr Campsite — a campsite in scotland highlands.
📷 5Hostels · Scottish Lowlands
Port Charlotte Youth Hostel
Port Charlotte Youth Hostel — a hostel in scotland highlands.
📷 5More places run by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
📷 5Hill forts · South East England
Shornemead Fort
Shornemead Fort — fort in Shorne, Kent, England, UK.
📷 5Wildlife reserves · South East England
Amberley Wild Brooks
Amberley Wild Brooks — nature reserve in the United Kingdom.
📷 5Wildlife reserves · South East England
Blean Woods RSPB Reserve
Blean Woods RSPB Reserve — RSPB nature reserve in the United Kingdom.
📷 5Wildlife reserves · South East England
Brading Marshes RSPB reserve
Brading Marshes RSPB reserve — RSPB nature reserve on the Isle of Wight.
More places in this region
📷 3Wildlife reserves · Scottish Lowlands
WWT Caerlaverock
WWT Caerlaverock — wetland nature reserve in southwest Scotland.
📷 3Wildlife reserves · Scottish Lowlands
Ailsa Craig RSPB Reserve
Ailsa Craig RSPB Reserve — RSPB nature reserve in South Ayrshire, Scotland, UK.
📷 3Wildlife reserves · Scottish Lowlands
Airds Moss RSPB Reserve
Airds Moss RSPB Reserve — RSPB nature reserve in East Ayrshire, Scotland, UK.
📷 3Wildlife reserves · Scottish Lowlands
Wood of Cree RSPB reserve
Wood of Cree RSPB reserve — RSPB Nature Reserve in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, UK.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is The Oa?
- The Oa is in the Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (postcode PA42 7AX).
- What is The Oa?
- The Oa — peninsula in the southwest of Islay, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK.
- How do I get to The Oa?
- Drivers can use postcode PA42 7AX.
- Who runs The Oa?
- The Oa is operated by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
- Is The Oa free to visit?
- Yes, The Oa is free to enter.
- How do I get to The Oa?
- Drivers can navigate to postcode PA42 7AX. It sits within the Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber parliamentary constituency.
- Are dogs allowed at The Oa?
- Most wildlife reserves allow dogs on lead only, with restrictions during ground-nesting bird season (March-July). Check signage at the reserve.