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A protected nature reserve on Loch Lomond's shores where woodland birds, ospreys, and otters thrive. Walking trails lead through oak forests and wetland habitats.
RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond extends along the southeastern shore of Scotland's largest loch. From the reserve's trails, you can watch ospreys dive for fish during summer afternoons, spot red squirrels darting between ancient oak branches, and see beavers swimming near the shoreline at dusk. In winter, thousands of pink-footed and greylag geese fill the sky as they move between their feeding grounds, while Ben Lomond and Conic Hill rise in the background.
The reserve's car park lies just off the A811 between Drymen and Gartocharn. When using GPS navigation, be aware that some systems might direct you incorrectly. The car park includes 15 spaces with one designated Blue Badge spot, and there's a 2-meter height restriction barrier at the entrance.
Four main trails cater to different walking abilities and interests. The Viewpoint Trail stretches 200 meters on an accessible path, leading to a viewing structure where you can see Ben Lomond through large windows. The Airey Woodland Trail creates a 950-meter loop through coppiced alder trees and meadows where purple marsh orchids and common spotted orchids bloom in summer. For a longer walk, the 1.3-kilometer Lomond Trail connects to the loch's shore, while the Shore Wood Path weaves through 300-year-old oak forest along the water's edge.
In spring, bluebells cover the woodland floor, and you'll hear tree pipits and redstarts singing from the treetops. Summer brings ospreys hunting over the loch, with up to 200 species of butterflies and bees visiting the wildflower meadows. During autumn, you can spot migrating birds like wigeons and teals stopping at the reserve, while the oak leaves turn yellow and orange. In winter, up to 20,000 geese move between their roosting areas and feeding grounds, with the best viewing times at sunrise and sunset.
Start your visit at the Nature Hub, where you can borrow mini-beast hunting kits during summer months to search for insects and small creatures. The trails can accommodate pushchairs, though some sections have natural gradients. You'll find clean, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities at the Nature Hub, and several picnic areas along the trails. The reserve runs guided activities and seasonal events, which you can book through their website.
The reserve opens daily year-round, with the car park operating from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Christmas and Boxing Day). Starting September 2023, parking costs £2 for the first hour and £1 for each additional hour, though RSPB members and Blue Badge holders park free. The trails and facilities remain free to access. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on short leads during breeding season (April 1 to August 15) to protect ground-nesting birds.
