Loch Leven National Nature Reserve
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Overview
Loch Leven occupies over five square miles between the Ochil, Lomond and Cleish Hills, and is the largest natural shallow water lake in lowland Britain. Home to more breeding ducks than anywhere else in inland Europe, the shallow waters of Loch Leven NNR are a great place for dabbling and diving. Among others, you’ll see tufted duck and teal dabbling for food, or maybe marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of huge flocks of over-wintering wildfowl, including pochard and whooper swans. In summer, ospreys patrol the loch in search of fish, while on the marshy fringing shoreline, you might sniff the sweetly scented holy grass (so called because it was used as an ancient form of incense) among the wet grasslands, raised bog, willow and reed beds. St Serf’s is the largest of the seven islands in the loch, and top of the inland European duck nesting league. Tufted duck are the most common breeders, followed by gadwall and mallard. Then there are also the burrow-nesting shelduck and even rarer breeders such as teal and shoveler.
Location
Ballingry
About the area
Perth and Kinross, sheltered by the Grampian Mountains, is often regarded as the Heart of Scotland, and its mountains, lochs and glens yearn to be explored. Just outside the ancient city of Perth is Scone Palace, home of the mystical Stone of Destiny, on which 42 Scottish Kings were crowned.
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Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Dean Park Hotel
The Dean Park Hotel is located in a peaceful residential area on the edge of Kirkcaldy just a couple of minutes from the A92. The hotel has undergone an extensive refurbishment programm...
The Boar's Head
Auchtermuchty is a quiet village within easy reach of St Andrews, Dundee and Cupar. The Boar’s Head dates back 300 years and has plenty of charm and character, with log burning fires, w...
The Townhouse
The Townhouse is a traditional, Georgian terraced property that enjoys a great location in the heart of Perth city centre – several of the large beautifully appointed rooms benefit from...
Salutation Hotel
Situated at the heart of Perth, the Salutation is reputed to be one of the oldest hotels in Scotland and has been welcoming guests through its doors since 1699. It offers traditional ho...
The Gleneagles Hotel
One of the UK’s most iconic luxury destinations. Set within a vast estate in the rolling Perthshire countryside, Gleneagles Hotel has long been regarded as one of Scotland’s most celebr...
Murrayshall Country Estate
This imposing country house is set in 350 acres of grounds, including two golf courses, one of which is of championship standard. Bedrooms come in two distinct styles: modern suites in ...
Highland Gateway Glamping & Caravanning
Highland Gateway Glamping & Caravanning is a small family run, adults-only site ideally located within easy reach of the M9 and M80. Pitches are generous in size and well maintained, wi...
The Crusoe
The Crusoe was originally built in 1824 and overlooks the harbour with stunning views onto the Forth in Lower Largo which is the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk the "real" Robinson Crus...
