Events at Loch Leven
Discover exciting events all year round at Loch Leven.
We have lots of resources to help you plan and lead a day of learning on our nature reserve.
Days out
Loch Leven
KinrossOpenSee opening timesThis nature reserve is set in a stunning mix of woodlands & wetlands on the banks of Loch Leven, with breath taking views and a diverse mix of habitats.
About
⚠️ Thursday 24 September - Our Shop will be closed on this date to allow us to carry out a stock take. The Cafe will be open as normal and the Shop will reopen on Friday 25 at 10am ⚠️
Loch Leven nature reserve is a haven for families, nature lovers and wildlife watchers alike. Set on the southern shore of the loch, the reserve is home to Swallows and breeding waders in spring and summer, migratory geese and Whooper Swans in autumn, and woodland birds all year round. Red Squirrels are regularly seen around the Visitor Centre and woodland areas, while dragonflies and bees enjoy the ponds and wild flower meadow in the warmer months. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages to keep up to date with latest sightings!
There are plenty of trails to explore including the Wetland Trail with three viewing hides, trails up to the top of Vane Hill, and a gentle Leafy Loop walk. You can also use our Visitor Centre as a starting point for walks up Benarty Hill, and to walk the whole way around the Loch using the Heritage Trail.
Our Visitor Centre has a Shop and Café, and we’re open 7 days a week. Our Shop stocks a great range of bird food, gifts and binoculars and telescopes. Our Café is a great spot to enjoy lunch, a sweet treat or a hot drink while enjoying the beautiful view out onto the Loch. The Visitor Centre, Café and Shop are dog friendly.
You can take part in a range of fun activities here. Pond dipping kits are available to hire between April and October, and we have Nature Quest backpacks and binoculars available to hire all year round. We run a great range of events throughout the year, to find out more about click on the events button below.
Our accessibility information can be viewed at AccessAble, but please get in touch if you have any questions. We have mobility scooters available to hire, which are great for exploring our Leafy Loop and Wetland trails. Get in touch with us using the information below to book.
East Wetland Improvements Project
We are currently undertaking a project to improve the wetlands for wildlife. To achieve this we drawing down the water to dry out the Carden Flood (the waterbody in front of the Carden hide), which will allow us to improve water management, add new islands and sow a cover crop to increase food availability when it is reflooded. Work on this project started in Summer 2026 with the aim of refilling the flood in Autumn 2027. The area in front of the Carden Hide might look a bit different during this time, and we will be sharing updates on how the work progresses on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
At a glance
Car park open 24hrs a day. £4 per day for a car, free for RSPB members and Blue Badge holders. Charges apply 24/7.
We have 12 x electric charging points (7 kWh).
We have a Changing Places toilet, and accessible toilet with baby change facility. Toilets are open 24/7 and further information can be found on our AccessAble guide.
Two family toilets and an accessible toilet with baby change facilities.
Our Leafy Loop, Wetland and Heritage Trails paths are pushchair accessible. The Visitor Centre and Shop have step free access, and there is a ramp up to the cafe.
Our Leafy Loop, Wetland and Heritage Trails paths are Wheelchair accessible. The Visitor Centre and Shop have step free access, and there is a ramp up to the cafe.
Mobility scooters and manual wheelchair available for hire. Please book in advance by telephoning the reserve on 01577 862355 or emailing lochleven@rspb.org.uk
For further information please check our access map or AccessAble guide.
Toilets are open 24/7 and are located in main courtyard at ground level. All toilets are individual cubicles with their own handwashing facilities.
Barbecue
Barbecue
Well behaved dogs are welcome in the Visitor Centre and Cafe. A tap and water bowl are available in the visitor centre courtyard.
Assistance dogs only in the Waterston and Carden hides.
Dogs under close control, preferably on a short lead, are allowed on all trails on the reserve in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This is particularly important during the bird breeding season April - August. Please pick up after your dog and dispose of any bags in bins or take it home.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Drones
Drones
See what’s here
Plan your visit
Download our trail maps, or find accessibility information to help you plan your visit. We have worked with AccessAble so that you can find out about our facilities before you visit.
The accessible visitor centre has an RSPB shop and a cafe, with friendly staff and volunteers to welcome you. The toilet facilities include a Changing Places toilet, and we have two mobility scooters available for visitors to hire. The car park has EV charging points and Blue Badge bays.
Recent Sightings at Loch Leven
- Ducks such as Gadwall and Pochard
- Ruff
- Ringed Plover
- Snipe
- Marsh Harrier
- Osprey
- Red Squirrels
Loch Leven offers schools free self-led visits
Loch Leven Dedication Page
We know that Loch Leven is a special place for many. If you or your loved one have shared happy memories there, you can make a donation to the reserve on our dedication page. It can be in celebration or in memory, and you can post an image along with your message.
Save nature while you staycation
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
New to Holidaycottages.co.uk portfolio of handpicked self-catering holiday cottages is the Showcase Collection: Near RSPB Reserves. At these extraordinary homes, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of RSPB reserves and get up close to some of the UK’s most cherished native wildlife.
Loch Leven live camera
Home to Red Squirrels which can often be seen foraging, feeding and scaling trees in the woodland areas of the reserve. The squirrels frequently visit our specially made feeder, and you can watch here to see if you can catch a glimpse of one of Scotland’s most iconic species.
Contact Loch Leven
lochleven@rspb.org.uk RSPB Scotland Loch Leven, Kinross, Perth and Kinross, KY13 9LX 01577 862355