Waterways | Loch Leven

The Pier, Loch Leven, Kinross, Scotland.

Bird-watching - Ospreys.

Take a good identification guide and a pair of binoculars to make sure you get a good view.

The best place to watch the Ospreys is from Burleigh Sands.

There are bird hides and recommended nature trails available from the RSPB Visitor Centre.

Find a good place near the shoreline but not too close - you don't want to sink into the marshes!

Look out for the most common waders such as Lapwings, who do a sort of rain dance in the shallows to encourage worms to come to the surface.

Disabled Access: Disabled toilets and wheelchair access to the RSPB Centre and picnic area; no disabled access to ferry.

Loch Leven lies close to the M90 (Edinburgh - Perth) - take the Kinross turn-off at Junction 6 and take the road into Kinross. After half a mile, turn right at the T-junction, then take the third left at the signpost to Loch Leven Castle. Continue for 100m, take the right fork and follow the road down to a large car park at the end.

Bus: Bus services to Kinross run from Perth, Stirling and Edinburgh.

Car parking: Available at Kirkgate Park, Kinross, at Burleigh Sands or the RSPB Vane Farm (off the B9097).

Historic Scotland operates a ferry to Castle Island during the summer months - visit their website for more information.

Year round. RSPB reserve at Vane Farm is open daily 10am-5pm.

Not applicable. Osprey watching - free.

Entry charge to Vane Farm reserve - free for RSPB members.