Loch Leven - Adaptive route
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Loch Leven - Adaptive route

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Overview

Distance
21.9 km
Duration
1.5-2.5hrs
Total Ascent
93 m
Difficulty
Easy

Route Details

Services: Kinross
OS Grid Ref: NT160990
OS Landranger Map: 58
Terrain: A purpose built and maintained multi use, traffic free route around Loch Leven. Gravel and wooden boardwalks and bridges.
Facilities: RSPB Loch Leven has disabled parking, EV charging, a changing places toilet, plus Loch Levens Lader on route has disabled toilets.
Key Points:
  • RSPB Loch Leven is nature reserve set in a stunning mix of woodlands & wetlands on the banks of Loch Leven
  • You can learn all about the reserve and their work at the visitors centre and in their hides
Route Architect

Route Description

Adaptive gravel routes have been ridden and audited by Adaptive Riders Collective. Perthshire Gravel supplies maps, GPX data, a description of the trails and images of any obstacles so that riders can make their own decision of route suitability for their equipment and ability.
Please also be aware of how weather can affect trail conditions.

Adaptive routes are more likely to be suited to less-skilled riders, families towing cycles or trailers, riders of tricycles, or riders unable to manage lifting cycles over gates or fences. Whilst every endeavour is made to clearly describe routes and obstacles, Perthshire Gravel does not control or regularly review routes and therefore makes no guarantee of accessibility.

After parking at Vane Farm RSPB Loch Leven, which is located off the B909 and signposted Loch Leven visitor Centre, head on the track towards the centre. There is a café above the centre accessed by a ramp or via stairs within the centre, plus Changing Places toilet facilities.

Pass through the centre and follow the path down to the left and under the subway to the loch trail. Turn right and continue through the woodland around the loch.

At 1.5km there is a chicane barrier - the middle of this barrier opens as a gate but is very stiff so may require two people to open. It has a chain and padlock but these are only a deterrent and they lift over the post so you can open the gate. RSPB assure us that this barrier is due to be upgraded soon.

adaptive riders negotiating a chicane obstacle with a gate
The chicane obstacle where the middle opens. This will hopefully be upgraded soon.

After this gate you ride alongside a river for 350 meters then over a bridge into the woodland.

At 7.3km there is a track that turns up right just after some trees. There is a signpost here for Loch Levens Larder - a café, farm and gift shop with covered outside seating area and accessible facilities. You can head up there to the café or continue your ride around the loch.

photo of four adaptive riders looking down a grassy field to Loch Leven in the distance
Adaptive riders enjoying the view from Loch Levens Larder down to the loch

You continue around the loch through woodland over a few wooden bridges and boardwalks. The track occasionally splits - if in any doubt, take the left hand route!

At 14.1km you pass the Loch Leven Castle Boat Trip which takes you to St Serf's Island - the largest of the islands on the loch and where Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner in Lochleven Castle from 1567–1568. She suffered a miscarriage and was forced to abdicate in favour of her son, James VI. Her escape from Lochleven is considered one of the most dramatic moments in Scottish history.

As you continue round and start heading south again you great views of Benarty Hill and the Bishop Hill and West Lomond.

photo of adaptive riders on the Loch Leven trail which is lined with hedges, with the view of Benarty hill in the distance
Adaptive riders enjoying the views to Benarty Hill in Fife

The route has switchbacks at 19.7km before East Brackley Veiwpoint which also gives great views of the loch.

Photo of adaptive riders looking from East Brackley viewpoint over Loch Leven
East Brackley Viewpoint overlooking Loch Levan

Continue along the path until you meet the small stone roundabout and subway back to Vane Farm RSPB centre.

Route Map

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