Find a NNR

Loch Leven (including Vane Farm)

A huge expanse of open water, Loch Leven provides an ideal home for countless birds. Watch the quiet persistence of tufted duck and teal dabbling for food, or marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of huge flocks of wintering wildfowl. In summer, ospreys patrol the loch in search of a fish supper, whilst on the marshy edges your nose might be sensitive enough to lead you to the sweetly scented holy grass, an ancient form of incense.

For more information on visiting Vane Farm see the RSPB website.

For more information on educational visits to Loch Leven see Growing up with Loch Leven.

For information on access at Loch Leven see the Local Access Guidance leaflet.

For information on visiting Loch Leven with a dog see Tips for Dog Walkers.

• Best time to visit

  All year round, but particularly summer for breeding ducks and autumn and winter for the wildfowl.
  

• Getting there

  Near the M90 at Kinross, with car parking at The Pier and Kirkgate Park, Kinross; at Burleigh Sands, off the Lethangie minor road; at Findatie, off the B9097; and at RSPB Vane Farm, off the B9097.
  
  
  
  

• Visitor facilities

  An all-abilities Heritage Trail covers eight miles of the loch shore. RSPB Vane Farm visitor centre has shop, tearoom, bird hides and nature trail. Seasonal tourist information and coffee shop at the Boathouse Bistro, The Pier. Historic Scotland operate a ferry to Castle Island during the summer from The Pier, Kinross.
  
  
  

• Contact

  SNH, The Pier, Kinross KY13 8UF. Tel: 01577 864439. RSPB Vane Farm, Kinross KY13 7LX. Tel: 01577 862355 or visit www.rspb.org.uk/scotland
  

• Managed by

  Scottish Natural Heritage	RSPB Scotland