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Welcome

RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond is a stunning mix of woodlands and wetlands on the banks of Loch Lomond. This remarkable destination is home to a huge range of wildlife from ospreys in the summer to skeins of geese in the colder months.

The reserve is beautiful at any time of year. A visit will reward you with an array of sights and sounds from some of Scotland's most loved wildlife.

In spring the woodland comes alive with a carpet of bluebells and birdsong, summer sees butterflies, bees and beautiful flowers emerging. In autumn the dramatic colours of the trees will take your breath away and in winter the calls of wintering geese, ducks and swans are never too far away.

A quiet place to sit and admire the bluebells. The benches at RSPB Loch Lomond have been carved using a chainsaw.

Level access

The main entrance has level access.

There is level access from the main entrance to:

Portaloo toiletNature HubScenic routes structurePond dipping area

There is level access from the car park to:

Viewpoint picnic area

Getting here

For further information on accessible travel in Scotland, go to Transport Scotland.
High Wards Farm
Gartocharn
G83 8SB

Travel by public transport

You can get to RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond by bus and train.
Nature hub: The nearest bus stop is in Gartocharn. There is no pavement from the bus stop to the site entrance and the road is busy. Shore Wood path: The nearest bus stop is in Gartocharn. To reach the Millennium Hall turn off the A811 onto Church Road opposite the House of Darrach. Walk along Church Road until the Kilmaronock Millennium Hall. Follow the Aber Right of Way signpost on the right of the hall. This will take you through fields that can be extremely muddy at times. Follow the signs for Aber Right of Way and Loch Lomond NNR for 20min and you will reach the entrance Read more at rspb.org.uk/lochlomond The bus stop is 1 miles / 1.6 km from RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond.
The nearest train station is Balloch. The train station is 5 miles / 8.1 km from RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond.

A bus or taxi would be required from Balloch train station.

There is no pavement from the bus stop to the site entrance and the road (A811) is extremely busy.

 

Parking

We have a car park. There are accessible parking spaces. The parking is less than 50 metres from the main entrance. Parking is free.
There is a drop-off point at the main entrance. The drop-off point has a dropped kerb.
From the car park to the entrance, there is level access. Blue badge parking space and Nature hub Entrance from carpark to nature reserve

Arrival

Path to main entrance

From the street to the main entrance, there is level access.

Main entrance

The main entrance has level access.

The main entrance to the nature reserve has level access.

The Nature Hub has 4 steps to get inside

Nature Hub exterior Nature Hub at entrance to RSPB Loch Lomond

Getting around inside

Public toilet

Portaloo toilet

From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. The toilet door is 750mm wide.
The direction of transfer onto the toilet is to the front only.
There is 740mm in front of the toilet. The toilet seat is 520mm high. The toilets have handrails.

General door width: 810mm

Narrowest part of door: 750mm (this is also narrowest part of route from main entrance to the loo)

Direction of transfer: from front (toilet next to wall on left and sanitary bin and table on right)

Width of space in front of toilet: 740mm (measured to baby changer)

Height of toilet seat (with seat down): 520mm

Handrails: behind toilet, in front of toilet and on the left

From floor to rail beneath baby changer: 830mm

Portaloo interior

Nature Hub

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a lift.
The door is 730mm wide.

The lift must be operated by a member of the RSPB team and is therefore, not always in use. Please contact us on 01389830670 if you would like to use the lift at the nature hub.

Nature hub exterior with lift on the left. Nature hub interior Nature hub interior NATURE HUB EXTERIOR

Scenic routes structure

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The door is 910mm wide.
Path leading to viewing structure Scenic routes structure

Getting around outside

Designated Walking Trail

Viewpoint Path

The trail is 200metres long. The trail has a hard surface. The trail has seats.

Hardcore path leading out to stunning views of Ben Lomond and Conic Hill, overlooking the woodlands and fen of RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond. In summer watch for soaring ospreys and listen to the birdsong from the woodlands close by.  In winter watch skeins of geese making their way from their overnight roost to their daytime feeding grounds.

Den building area along trail Viewpoint path

Designated Walking Trail

Airey Woodland Trail

The trail is 950metres long. The trail has a hard surface. The trail is sloped. The trail has seats.

A woodland trail winding through coppiced alder woodland, leading into a wildflower meadow and past a small pond. The woodland is a great place to look for tree pipits (summer), bullfinches, treecreepers and goldcrests. The meadow in summer is buzzing with bees, butterflies and watch out for frogs by the pond too!
 

The trail has some steep slopes along the way. The most even surface is to the left of the crossroads although there are still some slopes slong this section too.

The steepest section of the path has a handrail.

Airey woodland trail Bluebells and bench alonf Airey trail Carved bench Handrail along Airey trail Slope leading to pond

Picnic Area

Viewpoint picnic area

From the car park to the picnic area, there is level access. The path is 1800mm wide, or more.
Some tables have space for wheelchair users. You can bring your own food to the picnic area.

Pond dipping area

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access.

Sheltered area overlookling the meadow and pond.

Pond dipping area

Customer care support

Guide info
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