Loch Leven Heritage Trail - Kinross to Vane Farm

This level circuit around the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve takes you to the most beautiful parts of the lochside and also through varied woods and marshland with the chance to spot many types of bird. Vane Farm has a cafe and there is a limited bus service back to Kinross on Weds and Sats.

Terrain

Well made, level path suitable for all terrain buggies.

Public Transport

Bus from Vane Farm back to Kinross on Weds and Sats only - check timetable before setting out.

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Start

Kirkgate Park car park, Kinross. Map and directions.

grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 12.5km/7.75 miles
Time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 15m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NO123019

Maps / GPS

Accommodation

Perthshire hostels

Walk Description

Stage 1

Start from Kirkgate Park in Kinross where there is a large car park, excellent play area, and a pier. Follow the clear lochside path to the left to start to head round the loch in a clockwise direction. Soon the jetty is passed and Kirkgate Point is reached with seats overlooking Lochleven Castle out on Castle Island (Boat trips run in the summer from Kinross Pier). Loch Leven is famous for its overwintering wildfowl, geese in particular- with over 20,000 arriving each season, and the area in front of the Point is one of the places they choose to graze.

Stage 2

Keep following the path as it passes Fish Gate which has ornate stonework and gives views into the famous gardens of Kinross House (open in the summer months). After a short while you can detour to a hide overlooking the water on the right. When Mary's Gate is reached, where there is an information board, and the option of a short route back through Kinross, turn right to continue towards Vane Farm, following the sign for Burleigh Sands.

Stage 3

Cross a stream on a wooden bridge and continue to Burleigh Sands where Scots Pine provide a lovely backdrop to the water and there are good views of Bishop Hill beyond. Keep following the signs for Findatie, ignoring any side paths which lead to the surrounding villages. Cross another bridge and follow the path inland as it skirts around the pine wood. After another bridge there is the chance to detour on a signed path to Loch Leven's Larder, a cafe and farm shop, it is also possible to get a bus back to Kinross from the main road near here. Otherwise continue ahead on the main path.

Photo: Brian Forbes

Stage 4

After passing through a double set of gates, Carsehall Bog is passed, a large area between the path and the Loch which is a popular goose roosting and feeding area in the autumn and winter months. The path soon enters a mixed woodland and meanders through the trees coming close to some farm buildings at one point.

Photo: Sarnie Bill

Stage 5

Keep following the signs for Findatie, passing close to the loch and then along a very straight section before reaching a basic bird hide with viewing slots and passing through some fine pinewood. Soon the trail runs along the River Leven Cut, a straightened part of the river and outflow from the Loch. Cross the bridge and turn right along the road, keeping to the left hand side and watching out for traffic. Soon the beautiful sluice building at Findatie comes into view.

Photo: Brian Forbes

Stage 6

Turn left here past a metal barrier and then immediately right (the path straight ahead leads to the car park at Findatie). The path soon reaches the lochside with good views of St Serf's Island. Stay on the main path to climb up to a gate where there are good views of the Vane Farm area where the RSPB has a number of bird hides. At the junction turn left to go through the underpass and then right to reach the visitor centre at Vane Farm. Here the RSPB has set up an excellent viewing area upstairs with telescopes, enthusiastic staff, and a cafe.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.