Loch Leven and Loch Leven Castle

Loch Leven National Nature Reserve (1964) Is An Important Wintering Place For Pink Footed Geese And Ducks. Loch Leven Castle, On An Island, Held Mary, Queen Of Scots, As A Prisoner In 1567 68. A Boat To The Castle Runs In Season, Managed By Historic Environment Scotland. · Kinross, Scotland

Loch Leven is a large, shallow freshwater loch beside Kinross in Perthshire, a National Nature Reserve since 1964 and one of the best places in Britain to see wintering pink-footed geese and ducks. A flat, roughly 21 km Heritage Trail circles the shore for walkers and cyclists, so it suits families, casual riders and bird-watchers rather than mountain people. On an island sits Loch Leven Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots, was held in 1567-68 and escaped in 1568. A small boat from Castle Island Landing at Kinross runs in season, managed by Historic Environment Scotland; confirm times and the ticket. The RSPB Vane Farm centre on the south shore has seasonal hours. Anglers come for the trout, with a permit. Expect wind and real cold in winter, when the geese arrive at dawn and dusk from October to March, and expect the castle itself to be a small ruin; the boat trip and the island are the draw. Allow a half day or a full day.

Freshwater loch beside the town of Kinross in Perthshire with a 21 km walking and cycling trail around the shore, a nature reserve visitor area at Vane Farm and a small castle on an island reached by seasonal boat, Kinross, Scotland, United Kingdom

The loch shore and Heritage Trail are open at all times, with no gate, and are free to walk or cycle. The castle boat from Castle Island Landing runs in season only, commonly spring to early autumn, weather permitting, and may be cancelled in high wind; confirm times and the ticket with Historic Environment Scotland before travelling. The RSPB Vane Farm centre on the south shore has seasonal opening hours and may be closed on some days, so check ahead. Goose flights are best at dawn and dusk from October to March. There is no lighting along most of the trail, so cyclists should carry lights after dark in winter.

Loch Leven and Loch Leven Castle on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos