Perthshire - Loch Leven Nature Reserve (Loch Leven Heritage Trail)

I first discovered this trail when Tracks invited me to a public consultation. At that time none of the access points were linked. After much discussion and negotiation with SNH and landowners I'm delighted to say 12 km are now fully accessible to all wheels. It is their hope to extend the path around the loch and eventually to provide 20k of accessible path, perhaps by 2012. There is a delightful and informative leaflet available in many of the Kinross shops and Kinross Tourist Information Centre (01577 863680). There are current improvements to services at Findatie which will include accessible toilets.

"LOCH LEVEN IS A SPARKLING JEWEL SURROUNDED BY ROLLING HILLS AND FERTILE FARM LAND. IT BRIMS WITH NATURAL BEAUTY, WILDLIFE AND HISTORY." (unknown)

This trail is a real treat for bird lovers. I am not a twitcher and confess that my knowledge of birds is very poor which I put down to having been city born. However, even I can spot swans, cygnets and geese particularly when only 10m in front of me with a clear view from the fully accessible hide. While rolling along the path, which sometimes goes through or near woods, many small birds are a delight to watch and listen to. It makes me think I should really try to identify more than just common garden birds. Members of RSPB will know, I'm sure, of Vane Farm on the south side of Loch Leven. Unfortunately although this trail leads to Vane Farm, access is by an under road tunnel which has steps. So if you want to visit you will need to get there by car.

Top of Page