An accessible circuit taking in part of the shore of Loch Leven, including the chance to take the ferry to the Castle, and then returning through Kinross.
Summary
Excellent paths and roadside pavement; suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
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1. Loch Leven is Scotland's largest lowland loch and is an important site for waterfowl, having the largest concentration of breeding ducks found anywhere in the UK and attracting thousands of migrating ducks, geese, and swans every autumn and winter. Start this walk from the parking area near Kinross Pier, follow the signs for the Castle from the centre of Kinross. As well as the regular ferry to the island, there are toilets and a cafe at the pier. Opposite the ticket office, take the boardwalk path to the left which heads around the shore of the Loch. The path soon emerges onto Kirkgate Park.
2. Here there is a good area of open space with picnic tables, toilets, children's play equipment and a pier for boat launching. Follow the path near the water to the far end of the park and continue on the path which skirts around the wall forming the boundary of Kinross House - in the summer the gardens are open to the public - and passes the stone Watchtower. At the corner there is a good viewpoint over the water to the Castle. Overwintering geese are often found on the section of grass in front of the viewpoint and the graveyard.
3. Continue along the path as it passes the elaborate Fish Gate entrance to Kinross House. Follow the path until a turning to the right is signed with a bird symbol. This leads to an RSPB hide set out over the water in the reeds which offers good opportunities to spot species such as Whooper Swans, Teal, Reed Bunting and even Ospreys which use the Loch as a fishing ground.
4. From the hide return to the main path and turn right to eventually pass through a wooded area. Much of this part of the walk is designated as a very sensitive habitat and dog owners are asked to keep their animals on a short lead to stop them accidentally disturbing wildlife and ground nesting birds. When a junction is reached bear left. The path to the right continues around Loch Leven and can be taken all the way to Vane Farm RSPB reserve - there are plans to eventually encircle the entire loch. However this route follows the signed town loop, passing the golf course on the left and heading along a fine avenue of mature oak and beech trees.
5. Where the path splits, keep on the main path which bears right through a gap in a stone wall and then passes through a wooded area between housing developments ignoring any paths off to the left or right. The path emerges onto a road where you turn right and soon reach the main road where you turn left to head back into the centre of Kinross. A number of fine houses and buildings are passed including the town hall which also houses the tourist information on the left hand side.
6. Keep following the main street, passing a number of shops until the turning signed for Loch Leven and the Angling Centre is reached on the left. This is opposite a pretty church tower. Turn left along this road and when it narrows and forks bear left following the sign for Kirkgate Park. When the park is reached keep to the right following the path and retrace your outward steps along the boardwalk back to the pier and the start of the walk.
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