RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond nature reserve

RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond is a special place for wildlife. Located on the south-east shores of the loch, the site has a variety of habitats from ancient woodlands to wildflower meadows and grasslands. 

The reserve is set in a stunning mix of woodlands and wetlands on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Breathtaking views and a diverse mix of habitats provide an excellent opportunity to view a variety of wildlife including ospreys in the summer and skeins of geese in the winter months.   

Airey Woodland Trail winds down into the woodland and onto a meadow named Orchid Field due to the abundance of orchids there in summer, while Viewpoint Path is fully accessible and leads out to the stunning views of Ben Lomond and Conic Hill. Lomond Trail takes you through rich woodlands and wetlands before reaching the loch.  

It is an ideal place for people of all ages. Families can get ready and head out on an adventure. Take part in one of our activity trails or hire a mini-beast hunting kit (summer). 

A family of beavers were successfully moved to Loch Lomond in January 2023, marking another major milestone for the species’ return to Scotland. Although visitors can see plenty of signs that the beavers have set up home here, it is highly unlikely that you will spot the animals themselves at this time. The best way to see the animals and keep up with their activities is on the RSPB Loch Lomond facebook page. 

The trails are open 7 days a week (please note that car park opening times may vary during the winter months). 

To help us continue our vital work here at Loch Lomond, we will be introducing car parking charges from September 2023.

Non-members: Up to 1 hour - £2, each additional hour - £1

Members: free

Blue badge holders: free

This charge will include use of all visitor facilities including the car park, toilets, trails and picnic areas.                   

Special events are also run at the reserve. For more information on these please visit Loch Lomond (rspb.org.uk) 

Nature Trails:

All trails are suitable for pushchairs, but the gradient varies due to the natural landscape. 

Airey Woodland Trail (950m loop) - 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! In autumn and winter look out for red squirrels and flocks of thrushes.  

Viewpoint Trail (200m) - An accessible trail 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. 

Lomond Trail (1.3km) - A wander along Lomond Trail begins close to the pond on Airey Woodland Trail and leads you to the shores of Loch Lomond. Experience the special habitats and unique wildlife along the way and marvel at the stunning views as you reach the loch. The trail then leads you through the beech and oak rich Ring Wood, past dragonfly pools and ancient oak trees until the loch comes into view. From here the Lomond Trail meets the Shore Wood Path. Lomond Trail has a hardcore surface with sections of boardwalk in some places. 

Shore Wood Path - (accessed by Lomond Trail or via the Aber right of way): Shore Wood Path takes you along the south-eastern shores of Loch Lomond, through ancient oak woodland. In the woodland look out for long-tailed tits, great spotted woodpeckers and if you’re lucky, redstarts in the summer. Shore Wood Path is accessed via the Lomond Trail with parking at the Nature Hub or by walking along the Aber Right of Way with parking at the Millennium Hall in Gartocharn (the right of way includes walking through fields that can be very muddy at times). *Please note the right of way has a walking diversion in place due to a damaged bridge* 

Toilet with accessible access is available at the car park.  

RSPB Scotland has been managing the site in partnership with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and Scottish Natural Heritage since 2012, to make it an even better home for nature.

This nature reserve is important for wildlife. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) we request that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead, clean up after your dog and that you keep to the paths.

Contact us: Tel: 01389 830670 Email: loch.lomond@rspb.org.uk

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