RSPB Loch Lomond

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

In spring stroll through sweet smelling bluebell filled woodlands while listening out for tree pipits and redstarts calling. In summer look out for ospreys soaring high above, while wandering through wildflower meadows.
In winter listen out for skeins of geese flying high above while watching flocks of redwings and fieldfares making then most of autumn fruits and berries.

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.

NATURE TRAILS

The trails are open 7 days a week (please note that car park opening times may vary during the winter months).
All trails are suitable for pushchairs, but the gradient varies due to the natural landscape

Airey Woodland Trail (950m loop) – Woodland trail winding through coppiced alder woodland, leading into a wildflower meadow and past a small pond. The woodland is the a great place to look for tree pipits, bullfinches, tree creepers and goldcrests. The meadow in summer is buzzing with bees, butterflies and watch out for frogs by the pond too!

Viewpoint Path (200m) – Fully accessible path leading out to wonderful views of Ben Lomond and Conic Hill, overlooking the woodlands and wetlands 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 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.

INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
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). Trails are pram/pushchair friendly and there is a baby changer in the accessible toilet at the Nature Hub.

Check out our programme of Nature Activities at https://events.rspb.org.uk/lochlomond

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. Please see our blog for more details https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/loch-lomond-and-black-devon-wetlands/posts/we-re-making-some-changes-at-rspb-loch-lomond---introducing-car-park-charging