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. Loch Leven is a highly-designated and internationally-important nature reserve; dogs are asked to be kept on leads or under close control at all times to prevent bird disturbance.

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 Description

Stage 1

Start from Kirkgate Park in Kinross where there is a large car park, excellent play area, toilets 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 a viewing area is reached with seats overlooking Loch Leven Castle out on Castle Island (Boat trips run in the summer from Kinross Pier). Loch Leven is internationally-important for its overwintering wildfowl, geese in particular - with over 20,000 arriving each season, and Kirkgate Point is one of the places they choose to graze. Look out for greylag geese, gulls, cormorants and herons roosting here.

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 viewing screen overlooking the water on the right. Jays, woodpeckers and buzzards can be seen in the conifer trees nearby, ospreys over the water, as well as many butterflies in the wildflower meadow of Mary’s Knowe, reached after passing through a small plantation. At Mary's Gate 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, with the option to detour right to the Burleigh bird hide, or continue to Burleigh Sands where Scots Pine provide a lovely backdrop to the water and there are good views of Bishop Hill beyond. Crossbills are an elusive bird present here. 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 pinewood. 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. Very high reeds here give the opportunity to spot reed buntings or water rail. The path soon enters the ‘Black Woods’, 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 the Levenmouth bird hide with viewing slots and passing through some fine pinewood. Blaeberry-loving green hairstreak butterflies are to be found amidst these heaths. Soon the trail runs along the River Leven Cut, a straightened 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, the most important and protected site for nesting birds on the reserve. Stay on the main path to climb up to a gate where there are good views of Vane Farm and a number of RSPB 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. You’ll soon be able to see the whole route you’ve walked so far.

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. 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 diagonally through the car park to the front of the ‘Loch Leven’s Larder at The Pier’ where angling boats are tied up (cyclists are directed to take the route around the back of the building. Continue straight ahead along the next section of signed boardwalk, past a bird viewing area and soon the route reaches the start at Kirkgate Park.

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