RSPB Scotland Loch Leven is part of Loch Leven National Nature Reserve. Set on the southern shore of the loch, it is only 40 minutes from Edinburgh and is a fantastic place for all ages to explore nature, blow away the cobwebs or simple sit back, relax and enjoy wonderful views.
In the summer, you could see ospreys on the loch see if you can spot the lapwing chicks or spot the swallows nesting on our visitor centre. In the winter, thousands of pink-footed geese, swans and ducks make the reserve their home. In the woodland enjoy the variety of visitors to our bird feeders including the occasional the red squirrel and listen out for the woodpeckers in the trees. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers are on hand to help you spot the best wildlife that day and binoculars are on hire for those who want a closer look.
Climb the trail through the woodland to the top of Vane Hill for a spectacular view over the Kinross-shire hills and countryside, or meander down to the wetland trail where our three hides allow you space to sit and watch.
Our cafe is the first visitor attraction in Scotland to achieve the prestigious Gold Food for Life Catering Mark from the Soil Association and serves delicious, local and ethical food all year-round with vegan, vegetarian and free-from options. It is famed for its freshly baked scones which can be enjoyed with the fantastic cafe view over Loch Leven itself.
The shop range includes gifts, books, children's toys, bird and wildlife products, including bird food. We have a wide range of binoculars for sale that you can try out from our retail viewing area.
A place for all
Recent improvements have been made at the reserve to ensure more visitors have access to enjoy the wonderful views and wildlife at Loch Leven. The addition of an accessible underpass now links the car park, toilets, shop and cafe to the wetland trail and the Loch Leven Heritage Trail. The reserve is proud to now have a Changing Places facility, refurbished accessible toilet, family toilets and gender-neutral toilets alongside our male and female facilities. All toilets are individual cubicles with their own hand washing facilities. We have increased the number of Blue Badge parking spaces and RSPB members and Blue Badge holders park for free. In our cafe we cater for different dietary needs. Our team are always on hand to assist with any questions or queries you may have.
To see the full accessibility guide please follow this link.
For Families
Wild Challenge rucksacks for hire from the Visitor Centre, and children can get to know the wildlife here by grabbing a seasonal nature bingo. In spring and summer, you can hire a pond dipping kit, and bug hunting kits are available all year. Explore the natural play area, build a den or walk the pushchair friendly Leafy Loop trail and build a minibeast mansion. We also run a programme of family and children’s events throughout the year and have special activities during school holidays.
For all our event listings please visit our webpage.
For dog owners
Well behaved dogs are welcome in the Visitor Centre. A tap and water bowl are available in the courtyard. Assistant dogs welcome.
Dogs under close control, preferably on a short lead are allowed on all trails on the reserve and on the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Please pick up after your dog and dispose of any bags in bins or take it home.
