Welcome
Set on the southern shore of the loch, RSPB Scotland Loch Leven nature reserve offers a great day out for families, nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. Bought by the RSPB in 1967 as a centre for environmental education, it is still a fantastic place for children to explore and discover nature today. In the summer, you could see ospreys on the loch, and in the winter, thousands of pink-footed geese, swans and ducks make the reserve their home. Our café serves delicious, local and ethical food all year-round, all with a fantastic view over Loch Leven itself.
Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
Welcome area at visitor centre main entranceChanging Places facilityAccessible toiletRSPB Scotland Loch Leven cafeRSPB Scotland Loch Leven shopShopWildlife GardenThere is level access from the car park to:
RSPB Scotland Loch Leven picnic areaHearing
Visual
General
Getting here
For further information on accessible travel in Scotland, go to Transport Scotland.Travel by public transport
Buses to Kinross, which is six miles from the reserve, are available from Perth, Edinburgh and other nearby towns. From Kinross take a taxi to the reserve.
The nearest railway station is Cowdenbeath, 7 miles from the reserve.
Travel by taxi
Parking
Car parking fee is £3 per car, but parking is free for RSPB members and blue badge holders.
A manual wheelchair can be borrowed from the visitor centre during normal opening times.
An electric mobility scooter can be hired, free of charge, during normal opening times. Please book this in advance by contacting the reserve by telephone or by email.
Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
The visitor centre main door is a double door operated by a push pad. The doors open outwards.
There is a second set of entrance doors into the visitor centre welcome area, on the accessible underpass side of the building. This door is also 1800mm wide and is operated by a push pad.
Getting around inside
Ticket/ information desk
Welcome area at visitor centre main entrance
The welcome area is directly inside the main door to the visitor centre. This an open area with no desk, where staff give information and assistance to visitors. The main entrance door is 1800mm wide.
There is no admission charge, and no requirement to purchase tickets, other than the £3 parking charge for non members in the car park. RSPB members and blue badge holders can park free of charge.
Public toilet
Changing Places facility
The Changing Places facility has an adjustable hand basin, hoist, adjustable changing table, shower facility, colostomy bag shelf, hand drier, hand towkel dispenser, nappy bin, coat hooks and alarm.
Public toilet
Accessible toilet
The accessible toilet has a wall mounted, fold down baby change unit
Shop
RSPB Scotland Loch Leven shop
The main entrance door to the visitor centre is 1800mm wide and is opened by a puch pad. It leads into the welcome area which leads directly into the shop.
The shop can also be accessed by a door at the accessible underpass side of the visitor centre. This door is 1800mm wide, is opened by a push pad and leads into the welcome area which leads directly into the shop.

Shop
Place to eat and drink
RSPB Scotland Loch Leven cafe
The cafe is situated on the first floor of the visitor centre and can be accessed by an external ramp and automatic door leading directly into the cafe.
The cafe can also be accessed by a flight of stairs (800mm wide, 14 steps) from the shop area inside the visitor centre. The stairs have a handrail on the left as you ascend. At the top of the stairs is a short landing and the door to the cafe here is 760mm wide.
Gluten, lactose and nut free dishes are made on site but in a kitchen which uses gluten, lactose and nut ingredients

Getting around outside
Wetland Trail
The Wetland Trail is reached from the visitor centre by a fully accessible sloping tarmac path and underpass which takes visitors under a road.
There are two ponds at the Gillman hides where visitors can pond dip, and which are used for visiting school groups.










Designated Walking Trail
Woodland Trail
This spectacular trail leads walkers through birch tree woods to a lofty viewpoint at the top of Vane Hill. This is a place to enjoy birdsong and wonderful view over the loch.
Designated Walking Trail
Leafy Loop
This short accessible trail is perfect for a breath of fresh air. It is wheelchair friendly and is great for exploring the changing seasons.
Designated Walking Trail
Loch Leven Heritage trail
This 21km trail skirts the picturesque shores of Loch Leven. Whether you are exploring by foot, mobility scooter or bicycle this car-free trail takes you to some of the most attractive parts of the loch.
The Heritage Trail is reached by a fully accessible sloped tarmac path and underpass which takes visitors under a road. The Heritage Trail can also be accessed at other points around Loch Leven
Designated Walking Trail
Sleeping Giant path
For more information about the Sleeping Giant path please visit this website:
http://www.livinglomonds.org.uk/trailheads-walks/rspb-scotland-loch-leve...

Designated Walking Trail
Wildflower Meadow trail
This is a winding, uneven path which is cut through long grass and wildflowers in the wildflower meadow each summer. This path is perfect for a relaxing amble and spotting bees and butterflies.
The Wildflower Meadow Trail is accessed from the Wetland Trail, which is reached by a fully accessible sloped tarmac path and underpass.
Gillman hide
Waterston hide
Carden hide
Picnic Area
RSPB Scotland Loch Leven picnic area
The picnic area is set on the lower slope of Vane Hill and has beautiful views over the loch, and red squirrels can sometimes be seen here. There is an accessible path to the picnic area and two of the tables have space for wheelchairs. A natural play area at the top of the picnic area provides a great space for children to let off steam!
More picnic tables are available around the visitor centre, three of which have space for wheelchairs.
Wildlife Garden
This area is next to the visitor centre and has 70m of gently sloping hardcore surfaced path. It is a lovely space for an easy stroll or to sit and relax, watching birds on the feeders. There is a raised pond here which allow easy access for pond dipping for all visitors.
From the Wildlife Garden visitors can pass through the gate to the Secret Garden and follow the path up steps through the squirrel and bird feeding area, and from there reach the Leafy Loop.
Customer care support
A mobility scooter can be hired free of charge from RSPB Scotland Loch Leven, during visitor centre opening hours. To book the scooter please contact the reserve in advance on 01577 862355 or email lochleven@rspb.org.uk
Emergency evacuation procedures
Customer care support