Wildlife-watching campsites in Loch Leven National Nature Reserve

Loch Leven National Nature Reserve is a top draw for its scenery and abundant birdlife.

94% (85 reviews)
94% (85 reviews)

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Star Hosts in Loch Leven National Nature Reserve

12 top campsites in Loch Leven National Nature Reserve with wildlife watching

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Cleghorn Farm

15 units · Glamping, Tents250 acres · Lanark, Scotland
*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE ONLY OPEN FOR CABIN BOOKINGS UNTIL NEXT SPRING. THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND BOOKINGS. WE REQUIRE AT LEAST 48 HOURS NOTICE FOR CABIN BOOKINGS* Cleghorn Farm is a mixed farm just north east of the market town of Lanark. Comprised of 250 acres of fields and woodland and bounded to the south by Mouse Water, it is a beautiful spot to get away from it all without having to leave it all behind if you don't want to. The fields are grazed and cultivated but the woodlands are much as they were at the end of the last ice age with spectacular walks along Cleghorn Glen with the chance to see badgers, bats, deer and all manner of birds among the towering pine and beech trees. The Mouse Water (pronounced moose) tumbles down along the edge of the farm and has some glorious pools for swimming, shallows for paddling and some spectacular water falls before it joins the River Clyde.
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from 
£10
 / night
100%
(1)

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

2 units · Glamping8 acres · Scotland
Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.
Pets
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Trash
from 
£85
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Wildlife-watching campsites in Loch Leven National Nature Reserve guide

Overview

History buffs and nature lovers alike will love visiting Loch Leven National Nature Reserve. You can explore 13 miles (21 kilometers) of trails by foot or by bike around the pretty, wide loch; marvel at a huge array of birdlife, from freshwater breeding ducks to osprey, kingfishers and the occasional white-tailed sea eagle, and take a short boat trip to a tiny island that is home to the ruins of a castle from which Mary Queen of Scots made a daring escape. While there is no organized campsite in the reserve, Galloway Camping and Caravan Park is less than a 10-minute drive away.

When to go

The reserve’s birdlife varies throughout the year. Huge flocks of wildfowl, including tufted ducks, teal, greylag and 10 percent of the world’s population of pink-footed geese, make their winter home here. In the summer, you’ll see breeding ducks with their fluffy ducklings and ospreys fishing on the loch. Note that the boat service to Castle Island only runs during the summer months.

Know before you go

  • Visitors following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code may wild camp around Loch Leven.
  • There are wildlife hides dotted around the loch from which you can view the birdlife without disturbance. All are wheelchair accessible.
  • Any water sports done on the loch must avoid bird sensitive areas and seasons. Check NatureScot’s Water Access Guidance for more.
  • The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) maintains a visitor center on the south side of the loch with good views, restrooms, a shop and a café.
  • The closest bus stop is in Kinross, a mile away.

Top regions near Loch Leven National Nature Reserve

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