Near Bridgend of Lintrathen, about seven miles west of Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland.
Loch of Lintrathen
Reservoir
Place photograph
6.1
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.1Set among the foothills of the Braes of Angus, Loch of Lintrathen is both a water-supply reservoir and a wildlife-rich loch. Winter brings large numbers of wildfowl, including whooper swans; in warmer months, breeding songbirds enliven the surrounding area.
A working reservoir with an unexpectedly rich natural story: internationally important wintering wildfowl, seasonal songbirds and a circular waterside trail make Lintrathen more than a scenic stop. Access is not unrestricted, so check which parts are open before exploring.
Peaceful · Wild · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapNear Bridgend of Lintrathen, about seven miles west of Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland.
Opening map…
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The experience
Take in the foothill setting, follow the circular trail where access allows, and look for seasonal birdlife. Nearby, the Cateran Trail offers a longer walking connection.
Things to do
Walk beside the loch
Visit Angus describes a circular trail around the water. Check access arrangements first, as some reserve land is privately owned and requires special permission.
Look for wintering wildfowl
Visit between October and March for wintering wildfowl; whooper swans may also be seen during these months.
Watch for breeding songbirds
The surrounding area attracts breeding songbirds from March to August. Other birds reported at the reserve include tufted ducks, shovelers, great crested grebes, mallards, coots and herons.
Pick up the Cateran Trail nearby
Visit Angus notes that the long-distance Cateran Trail can be picked up nearby. Check its route and access details before planning an extension.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A short wildlife-and-loch visit
- 01
Check which areas are open to visitors before setting out.
- 02
Spend time looking across the loch for seasonal birdlife.
- 03
Use an open section of the shoreline trail for a short walk, then return the way you came.
Half day · Half day
Trail and seasonal birdwatching
- 01
Check access arrangements, as some reserve land is privately owned and requires special permission.
- 02
Follow the circular trail around the water where access is permitted.
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Pause to watch for wintering wildfowl from October to March, or breeding songbirds from March to August.
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Consider a connection to the nearby Cateran Trail if you want to extend the walk.
Verified history
Loch of Lintrathen, together with the larger Backwater Reservoir, supplies water to towns in Angus, Dundee and north-east Perth & Kinross. The supplied Visit Angus page identifies it as part of this regional water-supply landscape.
Hidden details
A changing bird calendar — The loch offers different birdwatching opportunities through the year: wintering wildfowl are best sought from October to March, while breeding songbirds are present from March to August.
When to go
October · November · December · January · February · March · April · May · June · July · August · No specific time of day is confirmed by the supplied sources; check conditions before visiting.
October to March is the stated period for wintering wildfowl, including whooper swans. March to August is the stated season for breeding songbirds.
Check the local forecast and trail conditions before travelling. No specific weather guidance was supplied.
The route
- route shape
- Circular trail around the water, as described by Visit Angus; exact route details are not supplied.
- parking start
- Visit Angus lists parking; confirm current arrangements and the appropriate starting point before visiting.
- Lochside setting among the foothills of the Braes of Angus
- Seasonal wintering wildfowl and breeding songbirds
- Circular trail around the water, subject to access
Worth pairing with
Cateran Trail
A long-distance trail can be picked up nearby, offering a possible extension for walkers; check route details and access before planning.
What to look for
- 01
Look for whooper swans and other wintering wildfowl between October and March. From March to August, listen and watch for breeding songbirds
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tufted ducks, shovelers, great crested grebes, mallards, coots and herons are also reported at the reserve.
The story
Water supply; wildlife conservation
Best time to go
October–March for wintering wildfowl and whooper swans; March–August for breeding songbirds.
For wintering wildfowl, visit between October and March; for breeding songbirds, choose March to August. Check access arrangements and conditions before travelling.
How long to spend
1–2 hours; allow longer for the circular trail if access and conditions permit.
Perfect for
Birdwatchers · Wildlife lovers · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Some of the reserve is privately owned and requires special permission. Check current access arrangements before setting out and remain on routes open to visitors. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
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Parking
Parking is listed by Visit Angus; check current arrangements before travelling.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Visit Angus lists parking. A Tripadvisor description reports two shoreline hides, including one wheelchair-accessible hide, but check current access and facilities before visiting. Some reserve land is privately owned and needs special permission.
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Cost
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Water
Reservoir
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Loch of Lintrathen
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
