Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Kinross

This level circuit follows a cycle path right around the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve. The route takes you to many beautiful spots on the lochside and through varied woods and marshland, and is particularly renowned for its birdlife. There are several opportunities for cafe stops along the way.

Terrain

Well made, level path suitable for all terrain buggies.

Public Transport

Bus to Kinross.

Start

Kirkgate Park car park, Kinross. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 19.25km / 12 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 15m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO123019

Maps / GPS

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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.

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.

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.

Stage 6

Turn left here past a metal barrier and then immediately right (the path straight ahead leads uphill to the car park and cafe at Findatie only a short detour away). 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 (charges apply). At the junction it is possible to detour left to the visitor centre at Vane Farm. Here the RSPB has set up an excellent viewing area upstairs with telescopes, enthusiastic staff, and a cafe - this is free and you can also pay to visit the reserve and hides.

Stage 7

Otherwise the path continues parallel to the road, leading away from the loch for a while. Stay on the fenced path which detours around a property and then climbs to pass a covered lookout area with a great view over the wetlands - a good place for a spot of birdwatching. The path zig zags downhill alongside fields and then bears right towards the loch once more before turning left over a footbridge bridge. The next section is popular with nesting sand martins and in the spring and summer the fields are often busy with lapwings, oyster catchers and other birds. As you approach the buildings of the cashmere mill, turn right towards the loch and follow the path on the loch side of the factory. This soon leads through scrubby trees to a bridge and then the front of the Boathouse Bistro at The Pier where boats are tied up (cyclists are directed to take the route around the back of the building. There is a car park here. Continue straight ahead along the next section of signed path, past a bird viewing area and soon the route reaches the start at Kirkgate Park.

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