Venue Description

Set on the southern shore of the loch, RSPB Scotland Loch Leven nature reserve offers a great day out for families, nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. Bought by the RSPB in 1967 as a centre for environmental education, it is still a fantastic place for children to explore and discover nature today. During spring lapwings perform acrobatic aerial displays overhead, and in summer you could see ospreys on the loch and swallows swooping around the courtyard at the visitor centre. In the winter thousands of pink-footed geese, swans and ducks make the reserve their home. There are several trails and paths to explore, and three hides from which to watch the wildlife on the loch. There's plenty for children and their families to do too, with activities and a natural play area. Our award winning café serves delicious, local and ethical food all year-round, all with a fantastic view over Loch Leven itself. The shop sells a range of products, from binoculars and gifts to bird food.

Accessibility

The visitor centre main entrance door, which has level access, is a push pad assisted double door. A second identical door on the opposite side of the large spacious welcome area leads out to the accessible underpass and trails. The welcome area and shop, which are both on the ground floor, have level access and are accessible for wheelchair users. The cafe is situated on the first floor of the visitor centre and can be accessed by an external ramp and a push pad assisted door leading directly into the cafe, or by a flight of stairs (14 steps, with handrail on left as you ascend) from the shop in the visitor centre. Inside the cafe there are no steps and the dining area is suitable for wheelchair users. Large windows provide panoramic views over the loch. The cafe menu is available in large print - please ask. The dining area is self-service, but if you need table service the staff will be happy to help you. We cater for vegetarian and vegan diets. Gluten, lactose and nut free dishes are made on site but in a kitchen which uses gluten, lactose and nut ingredients A fully accessible sloping tarmac path and underpass (which takes visitors under a road) links the visitor centre to the loch side. From the underpass you can explore the Wetland Trail and hides, or go further afield on the Heritage Trail, a 21km accessible path which goes all the way round Loch Leven. The Wetland Trail is 800m long and has a curving slope at the start (suitable for electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters), after which it is fairly level. There are three hides, the first of which is easily accessible and from which the loch and its wildlife can be viewed through low height windows. The two hides further along the Wetland Trail are also accessible but are smaller inside with less turning space for wheelchairs. At the visitor centre you can enjoy sitting out in the courtyard, or go on to the picnic area which has lovely views over the loch. There are wheelchair accessible picnic benches in the courtyard, the picnic area and on the path leading to the accessible underpass. From the picnic area the Leafy Loop, a 450m long wheelchair accessible path, takes you through a lovely wooded area where you might see red squirrels. The Wildlife Garden directly next to the visitor centre and has 70m of gently sloping hardcore surfaced path. It's a lovely space for an easy stroll or to sit and relax, watching birds on the feeders, and there is a raised pond here which allow easy access for pond dipping for all visitors. For information about our other trails and paths, please see the information in our full accessibility statement. We can provide a wheelchair for use, free of charge. A mobility scooter can also be hired free of charge during visitor centre opening hours. To book the scooter please contact the reserve in advance on 01577 862355 or email lochleven@rspb.org.uk

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/loch-leven/accessibility/

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-scotland-loch-leven

Awards List

VisitScotland 4 star Visitor Attraction Green Tourism Gold Award

Toilets

There is level access from the main visitor centre entrance to the toilets, and this path is 4000mm wide and has a tarmac surface. The entrance door to the toilet block is push button assisted and is 920mm wide. Inside the toilet block is a Changing Places facility with a push button opening sliding door which is 1000mm wide. The facility has an adjustable changing table, adjustable hand basin, hoist, shower facility, toilet, colostomy bag shelf, bin, hand air drier, hand towel dispenser, coat hooks and alarm. There is a separate accessible toilet in the toilet block. This has a manual sliding door which is 850mm wide. There is an easy turn lock. The direction of transfer onto the toilet is to the right and there are handrails. The accessible toilet has a wall mounted baby change unit.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

There is no specific off lead exercise area for assistance dogs, but dogs can be let off the lead on the Heritage Trail.

Other assistance dog facilities

An outdoor water tap and dog water bowls are available in the visitor centre courtyard, and assistance dogs are very welcome in all areas of the buildings and reserve that are open to the public. There is no specific toilet area for assistance dogs, but visitors with assistance dogs are welcome to take them to the Wildlife Garden or picnic area and we request that owners pick up after their four legged companions.