Near Dunkeld, Perthshire
Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre & Wildlife Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
8.1
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.1Ospreys return to nest within sight of the hides, while red squirrels, woodland birds and waterfowl make this a wildlife-watching destination in every season.
The appeal here is unusually close wildlife watching: hides overlook the loch, and the ospreys’ nest is about 150 metres away. Add woodland, red squirrels and a changing cast of birds, and this is a rewarding reserve even without a circuit around the water.
Peaceful · Wildlife-rich
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The experience
This is a hide-and-observe reserve rather than a lochside circuit: there is no circular path around the loch, and visitors cannot access the water. Spend your time at the viewing areas, scanning the loch and woodland for wildlife.
Things to do
Watch the loch from the hides
Scan the loch and surrounding reserve from the viewing hides; telescopes and binoculars are available to visitors.
Look for ospreys
The ospreys return to their nest, about 150 metres from the hides, in spring and summer.
Watch the woodland viewing windows
Look for red squirrels and great-spotted woodpeckers from the large viewing window, as well as other garden and woodland birds.
Spend time in the children’s hide
The reserve’s children’s hide has activities; a local tourism listing also describes quizzes, trails and games.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: Wildlife from the hides
- 01
Start at the visitor centre and check current reserve information.
- 02
Spend time at the hides, scanning the loch and its surrounding woodland.
- 03
Look for ospreys from April to August; watch for red squirrels, wildfowl and woodland birds in any season.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: Hides, loch and woodland wildlife
- 01
Begin at the visitor centre; tickets are available at the door.
- 02
Take time at the hides to watch the loch, using the telescopes and binoculars available to visitors.
- 03
Look for red squirrels and great-spotted woodpeckers from the viewing windows, then watch for waterbirds across the loch.
- 04
Use the children’s hide and its activities if visiting with children.
- 05
Do not plan a circuit of the loch: the reserve states that there is no circular path and no access to the water.
Hidden details
The osprey nest is close to the hides — The reserve says the returning ospreys nest about 150 metres from the hides, making the viewing area the practical focus for watching them.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · Check current reserve information for the best time to visit; no specific time of day is supplied.
April–August is the stated season for osprey watching. Red squirrels, wildfowl, woodland birds and deer are present throughout the year.
Check the forecast and current reserve information before travelling. No specific weather guidance is supplied.
What to look for
Scan the loch from the hides for ospreys during their April–August season. Watch the viewing windows and woodland for red squirrels and great-spotted woodpeckers, and look across the loch for wildfowl.
Best time to go
April–August for ospreys; the reserve also supports wildlife watching throughout the year.
April–August is the recommended period for ospreys. Red squirrels, wildfowl, woodland birds and deer can be watched year-round.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Families · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10:30am-5pm
- Tuesday: 10:30am-5pm
- Wednesday: 10:30am-5pm
- Thursday: 10:30am-5pm
- Friday: 10:30am-5pm
- Saturday: 10:30am-5pm
- Sunday: 10:30am-5pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A 130-hectare Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve with a visitor centre and wildlife hides. Tickets are available at the door. There is no circular path around the loch and no access to the water.
Parking
A car park is listed in the reserve notice; check current access and parking arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Hot drinks and snacks are available at the visitor centre.
Dogs
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row lists a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and seating. Check the reserve’s current access information for details of paths and hides.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Loch; no access to the water.
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre & Wildlife Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
