Near Dunkeld, Perthshire
Loch of the Lowes
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
7.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.2A 130-hectare reserve of woodland and freshwater loch where hides, viewing windows and telescopes bring wildlife into focus. Ospreys return to a nest about 150 metres from the hides in spring and summer.
This is more than a loch-side stop: woodland, hides and a visitor centre make it a strong place to watch wildlife through the seasons. Its osprey viewing is the standout draw, while red squirrels, deer and wildfowl give the reserve interest throughout the year.
Peaceful · Wildlife-focused
Find your way
Open mapNear Dunkeld, Perthshire
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The experience
Allow 1–2 hours for the visitor centre, hides and wildlife viewing. There is no circular path around the loch and no access to the water. For a longer outing, a separate 3.7-mile walking loop from Dunkeld passes the loch.
Things to do
Watch for ospreys from the hides
In spring and summer, look towards the nest reported to be about 150 metres from the hides. Telescopes and binoculars are available to visitors.
Check the woodland viewing window
Look for garden birds, red squirrels and great-spotted woodpeckers at the large viewing window.
Walk the Loch of the Lowes Circular from Dunkeld
A separate 3.7-mile loop from Dunkeld follows quiet roads and trails through fields, farmland and wooded areas to the loch. It can be muddy after rain, and the route has a manageable climb near the start.
1.5–2 hours
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: wildlife from the hides
- 01
Visit the visitor centre and use its displays to get oriented.
- 02
Spend time in the hides looking across the reserve; telescopes and binoculars are available to visitors.
- 03
Check the large viewing window for garden birds, red squirrels and great-spotted woodpeckers.
Half day · Allow half a day; the listed walking loop is estimated at 1.5–2 hours, in addition to the reserve visit.
Make a half day of it: reserve visit and Dunkeld loop
- 01
Start at the visitor centre and reserve; allow time at the hides for wildlife watching.
- 02
Continue with the Loch of the Lowes Circular from Dunkeld, a 3.7-mile loop through quiet roads and trails, farmland and wooded areas.
- 03
Wear suitable footwear: the route can be muddy after rain.
Verified history
The supplied sources describe the reserve’s habitats, visitor facilities and wildlife but do not provide a substantiated historical account.
Hidden details
The osprey nest close to the hides — The Scottish Wildlife Trust says the ospreys’ nest is about 150 metres from the hides, making the viewing facilities a practical place to watch for their return in spring and summer.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · Not specified in the supplied sources; check before visiting.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust lists April–August for ospreys and April–September for beavers. Red squirrels, wildfowl, garden birds and deer are present throughout the year.
The reserve page does not give specific weather advice. The walking loop can be muddy after rain; suitable footwear is recommended.
Worth pairing with
Loch of the Lowes Circular from Dunkeld
A 3.7-mile loop from Dunkeld to the loch and back, with quiet roads and trails through farmland and wooded areas. This is a separate walk, not a path circling the loch.
What to look for
- 01
Look from the hides for ospreys in spring and summer. The reserve also reports red squirrels, great-spotted woodpeckers, fallow deer, swans and other wildfowl
- 02
check the woodland viewing window for garden birds and squirrels.
Best time to go
April–August for ospreys; April–September for beavers. Red squirrels, wildfowl, garden birds and deer are present year-round.
Visit April–August for the chance to watch ospreys at their nearby nest. The reserve’s wildlife can be watched year-round; autumn and winter bring visiting geese and ducks.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Families · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The Scottish Wildlife Trust describes a visitor centre, wildlife reserve and hides. Tickets are available at the door. There is no access to the loch water; check the reserve page for current visitor information.
Check before visiting
Parking
A car park is mentioned by the Scottish Wildlife Trust; check its reserve page for current parking information.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Hot drinks and snacks are available at the visitor centre, according to the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Dogs
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Accessibility
Check the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s linked Euan’s Guide page for accessibility details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Loch
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Loch of the Lowes
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Place photograph8.1Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre & Wildlife Reserve
Near Dunkeld, Perthshire
1.1 km away
Place photograph7.3Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve
Near Dunkeld, Perthshire
2.0 km away
