We did not walk the entire circuit, but the parts we covered were full of joy. At first, I told myself that I would not take many photos. I withdrew some for him SlumberDown reviewThen he placed the camera again in his pocket … until I saw a beautiful light green seat. Suddenly, I could not resist. I fell in love with the way the photos were. We kept walking, and I told my partner that I would no longer take photos, but just when I raised my head, I saw the beautiful view of the mountains and the landscape. I asked my partner to take “just some more.” He laughed and said: “You said you wouldn't take anymore, I knew you would.” He is higher and had already seen the opinions before me. That playful moment still makes me smile.

The RSPB has done a wonderful job taking care of this reserve. The environment is Pristino, the Visitors Center is well managed and man -made ponds are superficial and safe. There is even a children's center where you can be creative: at one point, you will see me drawing a bird in one of the photos.

What makes this visit even more special is that we had really been in Loh Leven before, although a different part. For my birthday, we explore the historical side of Scotland, home from Loch Leven Castle. At that time, the RSPB area appeared closed, so my partner took us to the castle. This time, however, we had to experience the part that we originally expected to see, and it was worth it.

Unlike places like Edinburgh CastleThat it is always full of visitors, Loh Leven had enough people to remind us that we were not alone, but separate enough, that peace and calm filled the air. Sometimes you walk for half an hour before going to someone else. Quiet air, fresh air and open views are what make nature reserves so special to me.

For the day, I used my pink dress Of @uoozee_oficial, which I have reviewed before on the blog, combined with simple sandals. I loved the photos we took there: they were romantic, adventurous, tender and perfect, a real reflection of the day itself.

Loh Leven has left me a lasting impression, and I know it will be a place to which he will return every time I yearn for beauty and tranquility.

The history of the Lock Leven Natural Reserve

To truly appreciate the beauty of Loch Leven, you must understand its deep and fascinating history. Loch Leven, which means “Lake of the LEVEN River”, is the natural natural lake of all lowlands. Its history is not only one of nature, but of human interaction, industry and a long -standing commitment to conservation.

For centuries, the area around the lake has been inhabited. Evidence of old homes, such as crackIt has been found, pointing out a presence of the Iron Age. He Strof's inch island It was home to a significant monastic community, which produced some of the first letters of Gaelic language in Scotland. But perhaps the most famous part in the history of Loh Leven is its connection with Mary, Queen of Scots, which was imprisoned on Castle island in 1567. It was kept captive for almost a year before its dramatic escape. The castle, now a ruin, remains a testimony of this turbulent period.

The Lake Landscape has also been molded by human intervention. In the 1820s, a law of the Parliament was approved to drain parts of the lake for agricultural purposes and to provide water for the flourishing industrial mills along the Leven River. This resulted in a significant fall in the water level, reducing the 75% lake of its original size and exposing new lands and islands. While this had a negative impact on some fish species such as Arctic coalIt also reveals the long history of land use and human ambition in this area.

The modern history of the Natural Reserve began in 1964 when Loch Leven was designated as a National Natural Reserve (NNR). This was a great recognition of its importance for wildlife. In 2002, the NNR was redeclared and expanded to officially include the RSPB Scotland Loch Leven section. The reserve is now managed in a collaborative association between Naturescot and RSPB Scotland, with wetlands on the southern coast as a key approach to RSPB. This management guarantees that this internationally important site for wildlife, which also has designations such as Special scientific interest site (SSSI), the Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Ramsar site, continue to thrive.

What to wait and how to enjoy the reservation

Oh, the air is so fresh and the peaceful calm is simply divine. At the time you leave the car, they hit you with a feeling of tranquility. It is a completely different environment from a bustling city like Edimburg, where the castle is always full of people. Here, you can walk for a while and not see another soul, only the open sky and the sound of the birds.

The reservation is incredibly well cared for. RSPB has made so much effort to make it a pleasant and accessible place for everyone. The roads are well maintained and easy to walk. The landscape is a beautiful mixture of everything I love of Scotland: wavy hills, lush meadows and, of course, the impressive lake itself.

We do not walk the entire Loch Leven Heritage path of 13 miles, which is a fantastic shared access route and shared access that surrounds the entire lake. The path is mainly level and without barriers, which makes it perfect for walkers of all skills, cyclists and even wheelchair users. We spend our time exploring the immediate area around the Visitors Center and the Wetlands Path, which is an accessible 800 -meter path that leads to several piñeras.

Speaking of that, the Visitors Center is a center of activity and information. It is a modern building with a welcome feeling. Inside, you will find a store that sells everything from binoculars to memories. They also have a lovely coffee on the first floor with panoramic windows that provide an impressive view of the lake. I recommend having coffee and simply taking your eyes. The facilities are first category, with accessible bathrooms and even an installation of changing places for disabled visitors. They even have wheelchairs and mobility scooters available for free rental, which can reserve in advance.

Here is a children's art center, and I loved it. I have to draw and color a bird, which was a lot of fun! It is an excellent way for the little ones to get involved with the nature that surrounds them and become creative. The reservation also has explorers and pond kits for rent, which are perfect for families that seek to put it by hand with nature.

We saw so many animals, from the friendly sheep and cows that grass the fields to the hundreds of birds. It is really the paradise of a bird observer. Lake is an internationally important site for winter wild birds. When we were there, we saw so many birds, and there are skles strategically placed along the paths to provide the best views without disturbing them. You can expect to see everything from geese and swans to ducks and wading birds. In the summer, you could even detect a OSPREY (fish eating birds), and in winter, the large number of Pink leg geese They are simply incredible.

I noticed some areas with fences and electrical cables, which may seem a bit strange at the beginning, but there is a good reason for it. These fences are often used to handle cattle, such as sheep and cows we saw, ensuring that they remain within the designated grazing areas. They can also be used to protect sensitive habitats of being trampled or grazing, or to keep predators away from nested birds and another vulnerable wildlife. Everything is part of the careful conservation work that RSPB does to protect this beautiful ecosystem.

Ongoing projects and future adventures

The RSPB does not rest in its laurels here. They are constantly working to improve the reserve for both wildlife and visitors. One of the projects I learned are their efforts to create new ponds and improve existing ones. These new features of water provide vital habitats for a variety of species, from dragonfly and amphibians to different types of birds. You can see the new and existing ponds along the paths, and it is very inspiring to see the work they are doing to increase biodiversity.

Another ongoing initiative is the Leven Landscape Enterprise Networks (Lens) project, a fantastic collaboration aimed at addressing challenges such as flooding and improving water quality. It brings together companies, farmers and conservationists to implement solutions that benefit both the local economy and the environment. It is a great example of how conservation can be a community effort.

How to get and other useful information

This is the type of place that makes you feel so good and peaceful, and is surprisingly easy to arrive. It doesn't matter where you are in Scotland, you can find a way of this small portion of the sky.

Glasgow:

Driving is the most direct route. Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes are needed, depending on traffic. It will take the M8 and then the M9 towards Stirling, before joining the M90 to Perth and take the exit for the B9097.

Edinburgh:

Driving from Edinburgh is even faster, usually about 45-50 minutes. You will follow the North M90 to Perth and again, take the output B9097.

Aberdeen:

This is a slightly longer trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes by car through the A90.

From Ayr:

This will be the longest trip, about 1 hour and 45 minutes, taking the M77 and M8, then following the same route as from Glasgow.

By public transport:

While there is no direct public transport to the reservation itself, you can get a bus to Kinross from cities such as Perth, Edinburgh and Dundee. From Kinross, you can walk or travel the 8 km along the Loch Leven Heritage path to reach the reserve. Stagecoach and Ember's bus buses (which allow you to take your bicycle on board) serve this route.

Parking:

The parking situation is very convenient. There is a designated parking lot at the Visitors Center. For RSPB members, like us, parking is free. Just scan you membership card. If you are not a member, there is a parking charge of £ 3 per day, which is a small price to pay for such a beautiful day. There are also load points of available electric vehicles.

Just when we were finishing our adventure and preparing to leave, it began to rain. But honestly, he felt even more magical. The rain in the lake was so relaxing, and the Earth emitted this beautiful eartoma that made all the experience feel complete. It was the perfect end for a perfect day.

I cannot recommend enough of the Loh Leven Nature Reserve. It is a quiet place of beauty, rich history and a shelter for wildlife. It is where you can really disconnect from hustle and bustle and be with nature. It is a place that will always take a special place in my heart, and I am very grateful that my partner has taken me there.

Would you like to visit the LOCH LEVEN Nature Reserve and have visited a similar nature reserve? In addition, my partner's birthday is tomorrow, and I will share updates about what we did on his birthday.