Loch Leven Heritage Trail (13 miles)
This footpath takes you around Loch Leven offering views across the water and of the surrounding hills. There are three obvious starting points: RSPB Loch Leven (known locally as Vane Farm), The Loch Leven Larder and the town of Kinross. The latter option offers a public transport connection on the Edinburgh to Perth bus corridor. Unfortunately the railway was axed decades ago! (still a bone of contention around these parts).
For the purposes of this review, we shall begin at the nature reserve situated on the B9097. Ample parking is available and the RSPB cafe offers lovely views across the loch from an elevated position and free access to birding scopes. A small charge is levied for access to the hides.
Use the underpass to make your way to the trail. Head in an anti-clockwise direction along the signposted route. The path skirts the loch and we reach the sluice house which dates from 1830 and controls the outflow. Pass through an area of woodland and after four and a half miles we meet the junction for Loch Leven Larder which sits half a mile above the trail. An excellent menu is available at this busy eatery and attached delicatessen.
Pushing on to Kinross Pier is just short of four miles. On they way, you will catch a glimpse of the impressive Kinross House and gardens. This house is privately owned and there is no public access. Upon reaching the pier, food is available at the Boat House. A ferry service to Loch Leven Castle runs during the summer months.
The five-mile trek back to the RSPB centre does diverge from the water as much of this area is a protected habitat. Look out for the railway mural on the outskirts of town.
