For my birthday this year, I had A different I wish: a road trip to Lock Leven was at the top of My birthday list. And you know what? My incredible couple made it possible. We jumped in the car, ready for an adventure, and we headed to the Lake that the RSPB protects. You know, because we are elegant RSPB members And all that.

But, typical, right? My partner said: “No, baby, the map says it is closed.” I had the feeling that it was only his office, not all the nature reserve, but bless his heart, he took me to the part covered by the historic Scotland. And honestly? It was absolutely brilliant! The only capture was that, since we had our RSPB membership, we had to pay to enter here. But let me tell you that it was worth it for the boat ride to the castle.

So, here is the treatment: there is a free parking, which is always a victory, right? But then, to reach the iconic Loch Leven Castle You have to take a boat. It cost us around £ 22, which included the trip to the island where the castle is located. Before taking off, our boat pilot (who was super lovely, by the way) gave us the lowdown: “Keep sitting, without phones on the water, do not stand up until we stop,” and the kicker: “If your phone falls, I do not stop, we cannot find it anyway. I will only stop if someone is.” Talk about a clear message. We were four in the boat, and we sat down, soaked in the absolutely impressive views of Lake Leven, and before realizing, we were in Loh Lenn Castle. The castle definitely shows its age and its bits are falling apart, but the pure beauty of the location and really enter? Invaluable.

Now, let's talk about the history of this incredible place, because Lake Leven Castle is absolutely full of him. This is not an ancient ruin; It is a place with some serious stories to tell. The castle itself dates back to the end of the fourteenth century, which makes it more than 600 years. Imagine the whole story that these stones have seen.

But the most famous resident, without a doubt, was Maria, Queen of the Scots. She was imprisoned here in 1567, after being forced to abdicate her throne. Can you imagine? Trapped in an island in the middle of a lake. They stopped her here for almost a year, and let me tell you what she did No See in silence. She tried to escape not once, but twice. His first attempt involved changing clothes with a laundry, but was recognized by a boatman and his escape was frustrated. His second most successful attempt, in May 1568, was much more dramatic. With the help of George Douglas (the younger brother of the owner of the castle, who was totally friendly with her) and an orphan young man named Willie Douglas, managed to get the castle's keys. Willie closed the doors behind them, threw the keys into the lake (talking about the commitment), and they remote to the shore where Lord Seton was waiting with horses. She was free. For a while, anyway. It is such an exciting part of Scottish history, and standing in the castle where it happened feels good.

A quick note for your food partners. There is A restaurant in Loh Leven, but for the moment, unfortunately it is closed. I hope you open again, because you imagine taking a bite with those views.

How to get to Loh Leven de Glasgow or Edinburgh:

Reaching Lake Leven is super simple from Glasgow and Glasgow and Glasgow and Edinburgh He turns it into a perfect one -day excursion!

• Glasgow: It is about an hour at an hour and a half by car. You will want to go east in the M8 towards Edinburgh, then pick up the North M90 towards Perth. Take Junction 5 (A911) for Kinross/Milnathort, and then follow the signs of Loh Lenven.
• Edinburgh: Even easier. It is a 45 -minute trip to an hour. Simply go to the north M90 to Perth and take the Junction 5 (A911) for Kinross/Milnathort, and then follow the signs to Lock Leven.

Public transport is a bit more complicated, since it is likely to need a combination of trains and buses, so I would definitely recommend conducting if it can for greater flexibility.

So, there you have it. My birthday desire came true, even with a small detour, and I was able to explore a truly historical part of Scotland. If you are looking for a dose of history, an impressive landscape and a unique boat trip, Loh Leven Castle is a must. Just don't drop your phone on the lake.

ADDRESS : LOS RD, KINROSS KY13 8UF

I mentioned that we ended up enrolling for the historical membership of Scotland? Yes, we did.

We take these photos on June 10, 2025, from 12 pm to 2:30 pm