Around Lochore Meadows Country Park
From the visitor centre car park, walk towards the loch and bear left in the direction of the green-painted Outdoor Education Centre (at weekends you can go canoeing, kayaking or sailing on the loch from here). Then follow the sign to join the footpath that runs round the loch. When you get to the footbridge on your right, you can detour for a short distance to your left to look at the neglected ruins of Lochore Castle. Otherwise, cross over and go through a patch of woodland. When you reach a wider track, with a modern housing development dead ahead, turn right and go through a kissing gate. You're now walking on a broad cinder track, and as you walk you'll pass gorse bushes and reed beds – and in summer you may spot dainty harebells. Also known as Scottish bluebells, they like to grow on poor soils. The path runs below the cliffs and crags of former quarries, which now have a wild and natural appearance.
Go through a gate, then on through a copse to walk near an island in the lake. The islands are named Moss, Tod and Whaup, taken from old local dialect words for wetlands, fox and curlew respectively. Pass through a series of gates, between fields of grazing cattle and on to a firm track that leads through the woods.
Soon come to a footbridge on your right, and cross over. (You can make a short detour by following the track ahead to visit the bird hide.) Follow the obvious track (there's a lovely smell of wild thyme in the summer) and the path then opens out on the left-hand side. Go through the metal kissing gate, then turn right to follow the tarmac lane. Pass a path off to the left which goes to Harran Hill Wood – noted for its beautiful carpet of bluebells in spring.
Unless you wish to explore the wood, remain on the tarmac lane. Just beyond a small car park and a barrier pole across the lane, fork right to reach the water's edge. (Alternatively you can keep to the tarmac lane which is the old Pit Road. If you do this, follow the lane to a car park, then turn right to walk back to the visitor centre.) Walk round the edge of the loch, following the obvious track by the water, to reach the visitor centre and the starting point.
Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
- Family rooms: 3
- Free TV
- WiFi available
- Lift available
- Rooms 4
- Family rooms:



