Loch Ardinning

Located a mile from the town of Strathblane in Stirlingshire, Loch Ardinning supports a 142 hectare wildlife reserve.

Ardinning occupies a natural glacially-excavated hollow. This was enlarged in 1796 when a dam was built across a north-western outflow. The area also contains a smaller lochan and grass, moor and woodlands.

The northern part of the loch is densely populated with reeds, rushes and sedges, the luxuriant growth resulting from the sheltered, shallow conditions. To the south-west of the loch lies a wet wood, consisting of mature willows, birch and alder.

The loch is a haven for a variety of wintering and breeding wildfowl, the tufted duck being a notable example. The water lobelia is a local speciality, flowering in the shallows in July. The reserve commands views of Ben Lomond and the Muir is home to breeding curlew and visited by black grouse.

Access is open to the public, although it is asked you keep to the paths during the spring and early summer when most birds are breeding. Dogs should be kept on a lead in areas where sheep and cattle are grazing. There is a nature trail, approx. 1.5 km in length, following a marked circuit starting at the east end of the dam and following the northern shore of the loch. The path is suitable for all-ability access.