The Loch Leven Heritage Trail

The Loch Leven Heritage Trail is a purpose-built path round the whole of the loch, a National Nature Reserve known for its wintering geese and ducks. From Kinross Pier, where the summer boat leaves for Lochleven Castle on its island, this lap goes clockwise: north by Burleigh Sands, round the east shore below the Lomond Hills to Findatie, along the south shore past the RSPB reserve and back up the west side to Kinross.

It is 19.6 km (12.2 miles) round with 22 m of climbing; allow about 1¼ hours of riding. The grade is Easy. The path is all but level, with one long slope at Findatie, and its surface is fine, firm gravel.

It is traffic-free and barrier-free all the way, and suits children, trailers and any bike that is not a pure racer. It is shared with walkers, dogs and wheelchair users, so ride gently, and go quietly near the hides.

There is free parking at Kinross Pier and at several other points round the loch. Cafés at Kinross Pier, in season, Loch Leven's Larder, Findatie and the RSPB reserve break up the lap; the RSPB's toilets are always open. We found no cycle hire at the loch.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.