Camping in Loch Leven National Nature Reserve

Loch Leven National Nature Reserve is a top draw for its scenery and abundant birdlife.

93% (101 reviews)
  1. Loch Leven National Nature Reserve
93% (101 reviews)

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12 top campsites in Loch Leven National Nature Reserve

100%
(8)

Cleghorn Farm

15 units · Glamping, Tents250 acres · Lanark, Scotland
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND BOOKINGS. CAMPING IS ONLY AVAILABLE AT WEEKENDS. WE REQUIRE AT LEAST 48 HOURS NOTICE FOR CABIN BOOKINGS* Cleghorn Farm is a mixed farm just north east of the market town of Lanark. Comprised of 250 acres of fields and woodland and bounded to the south by Mouse Water, it is a beautiful spot to get away from it all without having to leave it all behind if you don't want to. The fields are grazed and cultivated but the woodlands are much as they were at the end of the last ice age with spectacular walks along Cleghorn Glen with the chance to see badgers, bats, deer and all manner of birds among the towering pine and beech trees. The Mouse Water (pronounced moose) tumbles down along the edge of the farm and has some glorious pools for swimming, shallows for paddling and some spectacular water falls before it joins the River Clyde.
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from 
£10
 / night
Booked 1 time

King Garth

1 unit · Glamping2 acres · Carlisle, England
Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position. In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you. The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river. My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay. You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk! Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there. This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host. The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.
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from 
£80
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Loch Leven National Nature Reserve guide

Overview

History buffs and nature lovers alike will love visiting Loch Leven National Nature Reserve. You can explore 13 miles (21 kilometers) of trails by foot or by bike around the pretty, wide loch; marvel at a huge array of birdlife, from freshwater breeding ducks to osprey, kingfishers and the occasional white-tailed sea eagle, and take a short boat trip to a tiny island that is home to the ruins of a castle from which Mary Queen of Scots made a daring escape. While there is no organized campsite in the reserve, Galloway Camping and Caravan Park is less than a 10-minute drive away.

When to go

The reserve’s birdlife varies throughout the year. Huge flocks of wildfowl, including tufted ducks, teal, greylag and 10 percent of the world’s population of pink-footed geese, make their winter home here. In the summer, you’ll see breeding ducks with their fluffy ducklings and ospreys fishing on the loch. Note that the boat service to Castle Island only runs during the summer months.

Know before you go

  • Visitors following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code may wild camp around Loch Leven.
  • There are wildlife hides dotted around the loch from which you can view the birdlife without disturbance. All are wheelchair accessible.
  • Any water sports done on the loch must avoid bird sensitive areas and seasons. Check NatureScot’s Water Access Guidance for more.
  • The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) maintains a visitor center on the south side of the loch with good views, restrooms, a shop and a café.
  • The closest bus stop is in Kinross, a mile away.

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