Loch Leven from Vane Farm
Work has started on the final section to complete the circular Loch Leven heritage trail in Kinross-shire.
At the moment walkers can only get three quarters of the way round the Loch to the RSPB centre at Vane Farm. There is only a very limited bus service in the summer to return people to the start, the alternative being a dangerous walk on a busy road.
Following the raising of £800,000, and after negotiations with local landowners the final 6.5km of trail is being built and is expected to open next spring. This final section, which will close the gap between Vane Farm and Lochleven Mills, has been controversial locally with objections from the RSPB and others on the exact route of the new path.
The Rural Access Committee of Kinross-shire (Tracks), which is running the project, said the new section will go to the highest point on the trail and have the best view of the loch and surrounding area.
Neil Kilpatrick, project director at the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, said: “It has taken over a year of patient negotiations with the relevant landowners to get to this stage and now we’re very excited that the end is in sight.
“In keeping with the rest of the trail, this final section will feature high quality design helping people to get the best from the natural heritage and historical features of the area.”
Reserve manager at Loch Leven, Neil Mitchell, added: “It’s terrific news that the last phase of the trail is under way. Once it’s complete, plenty of people are bound to join the 250,000 plus visitors who already enjoy walks at Loch Leven National Nature Reserve.
“The heritage trail offers an all-abilities trail which will rival anywhere in Scotland, as Loch Leven is an internationally recognised wetland important for its amazing variety of geese, ducks and other wildlife.”