In southeast Perth and Kinross, surrounded by forests, fields, hills and open country, lies one of Scotland’s most famous and precious bodies of water: a loch. This loch is a haven of nature, a gift to the eyes and a heaven for explorers. Home to the Heritage Trail, Loch Leven is a world of its own.
The Heritage Trail
The Loch Leven Heritage Trail is a 13-mile, mostly level circular path that spans the entire circumference of Loch Leven. There are no gates or barriers on the trail itself. It is perfect for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, and people with limited mobility.
Much of the path is exposed to the sky, on lovely days you feel the warmth of the sunshine beaming down on you. But if you don’t like the heat, don’t worry; there is plenty of shade in various woodlands on the route, as well as benches to rest on.
The path itself doesn’t follow the very edge of the loch the entire time; it veers away from it in places and takes travellers through stunning forests, past gorgeous open country, and to the feet of some awe-inspiring hills.
Dotted between the lush woodlands and along the pristine water are beautiful beaches, with golden sand contrasting against the green trees and blue water on sunny, cloudless days. Their presence makes you want to stop, cast off your backpack, and lie beneath the bright sun or cool down by dipping your feet in the loch.
A haven for wildlife
Run by NatureScot and RSPB Scotland, Loch Leven National Nature Reserve provides an ideal home for countless birds. Spring and summer see the reserve occupied by swallows and breeding waders, while autumn sees migratory geese and whooper swans make the area their home. Various woodland birds live at Loch Leven all year round, and red squirrels often spend time near the RSPB Loch Leven visitor centre. Dragonflies and bees also make good use of the local wildflower meadow and numerous surrounding ponds.
Rabbits can be spotted hopping through the woodlands of Loch Leven, while deer can often be seen among the trees, grazing and resting in their natural habitat. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss.
Historical islands
Accessible by boat from the mainland, Loch Leven has an island within it: St Serf’s Inch.
It was once the home of a Culdee in the first half of the 12th century and later became home to an Augustinian monastic, founded in 1150, based at St Serf’s Inch Priory. The priory itself is one of the oldest Christian sites in Scotland, built in 838.
Another island, is Castle Island, home to Lochleven Castle. It is a ruined castle, built around 1300, which saw military action during the Wars of Scottish Independence (1296–1357).
It is said that around 1300, William Wallace captured the castle and killed all 30 Englishmen occupying it. Though there is no evidence to support it, it is known as one of only five castles holding out against the English army in 1333, after the Scottish defeat at Halidon Hill.
Mary Queen of Scots also stayed in the castle as a guest of Sir William Douglas in 1561. Her last stay, in 1567–68, was as his prisoner.
Robert the Bruce is also known to have visited the island between 1313 and 1323.
The remains of Lochleven Castle are included in the Schedule of Monuments.
Places to stop
As fun as walking the trail is, you must be mindful to rest and refuel. As good as the exercise is that hiking around Loch Leven gives you, you need to make sure you don’t begin to run on empty.
Along the walk is an RSPB visitor centre, complete with information, a shop, and toilets. But, most importantly for hungry hikers, a café. The café at the top of the stairs offers a brilliant view of Loch Leven, which can also be enjoyed from the outdoor balcony.
The food they have on offer is nice, but if you’re after a big meal, you’ll have to wait until you’re in a town or village.
Kinross
Kinross is situated at one of the entrances of the Loch Leven Heritage Trail. The town of Kinross is a historic market town and burgh, located in the Perth and Kinross region around 13 miles south of Perth and about 20 miles northwest of Edinburgh.
The town is a beautiful one, with a town hall that was built in 1841 and a parish church and churchyard dating from 1832, which is located a little bit away from the town down a wynd and overlooks Loch Leven.
Beyond that, the whole town is lovely, but after a long walk around a historic, 5th century loch and islands, you’ll likely want a break. Situated in Kinross is a nice hotel, somewhat old-fashioned inside but serves great traditional pub meals. It’s not as expensive as expected either, so if you’re looking to wind down after a long lochside trek, the Kirklands Hotel is the place to go.
Stunning beauty, wildlife and forests as well as flora and fauna. Amazing towns and villages, good places to unwind, eat and learn interesting things and a route filled with fascinating history too.
Loch Leven has it all. Whether you’re there to walk, spot wildlife, or even learn something new, one thing’s for sure; you will fall in love with Loch Leven.
