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Lochleven Castle, its square stone tower and curtain wall among trees on Castle Island across the blue water of Loch Leven.
Kinross

Loch Leven Castle Viewpoint

Seats by the Loch Leven Heritage Trail at Kinross looking across the water to Lochleven Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was held in 1567.

Welcome

From the shore at Kinross, the Loch Leven Heritage Trail leads to a viewing area with seats that look straight across the water to Lochleven Castle, standing among the trees on its little island.

The castle's tower is one of the oldest in the country, built in the 1300s, and Robert the Bruce knew it. Its most famous prisoner was Mary Queen of Scots. Held here in 1567, she was forced to give up her throne in favour of her infant son, James the Sixth. She escaped, but never saw Scotland again.

The viewpoint sits on the Heritage Trail, a 21-kilometre path round the loch, level and barrier-free, and good for walking, cycling and wheelchairs. The loch is a National Nature Reserve, rich in wildfowl, and boats cross to the castle from Kinross Pier.

Close byUnorthodox Roasters, KinrossA speciality coffee roaster and cafe on the High Street in Kinross, roasting single origin beans on site, with breakfasts and brunch.2 min by roadSee itBlue-fronted Ynortheous Roasters shopfront on a stone corner building beyond flowers
Before you go

Open at any hour on the Heritage Trail by Kinross.

Where
The Heritage Trail at Kinross, KY13 8ET.
The castle
On Castle Island.
The trail
A 21km circuit of the loch.
Where it is

On the Loch Leven Heritage Trail by Kinross Pier and Kirkgate Park, KY13 8ET.

Close byKinross.
  1. Gliding Experience, KinrossScottish Gliding CentreAir experience flights in two-seat gliders from Portmoak on the shore of Loch Leven, over the hills and lochs of Perthshire and Fife.8 miles14 min by road
  2. Mushroom-shaped rock formation overlooking green farmland and distant hillsThe Bunnet Stane8 miles14 min by road
  3. A gravel path winds past newly planted shrubs toward a thatched cabin and a timber gateway beside a still pond.The Japanese Garden at CowdenA Japanese garden of 1908 near Dollar, designed by Taki Handa for Ella Christie, and restored around its loch and bridges.10 miles18 min by road
  4. Brick archway of a disused railway tunnel framing a wooded path beyondGlenfarg Railway TunnelsTwo long, dark tunnels on the old Edinburgh to Perth railway near Glenfarg, now a walk through the woods of Glen Farg with a torch.11 miles17 min by road
  5. Culross PalaceCulross PalaceThe ochre palace at Culross.20 miles32 min by road
Directions
Blue-fronted Ynortheous Roasters shopfront on a stone corner building beyond flowersCafeUnorthodox Roasters, Kinross0.6 miles
Stone entrance building with wooden bench, lettering reads "Saint Margaret's CaveAttractionsSt Margaret's Cave12 miles
Red-harled townhouse with crow-stepped gables overlooking a moss-covered graveyardAttractionsAbbot House13 miles
Stone abbey tower with pinnacles rising above autumn trees and hedgesAttractionsDunfermline Abbey and Palace13 miles
Wrapped sourdough loaves on a shelf below rows of jam jarsRestaurantsPillars of Hercules13 miles
Child runs across a ladybird-themed play park, ice cream van parked behindAttractionsPittencrieff Park13 miles
Ruined abbey walls beside Balcarres House, autumn leaves scattered across the pathAttractionsFalkland Palace14 miles
Whitewashed cottage pub with pantiled roof, hanging lanterns and a stacked woodpile outsideRestaurantsThe Stag, Falkland14 miles
Waterfall cascading over mossy rocks into a pool, ferns surrounding the cliffAttractionsMaspie Den14 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the view, and when each is next free.

A stone and timber house with a dark slated roof and roof windows sits on a lawn, a hot tub and picnic table on the patio.Lindores Lodge
  • Sleeps 8
  • In Kinross
  • 13 miles from the Loch Leven Castle viewpoint
Free 23–26 OctThe long timber-clad side of the house runs under a slate roof with solar panels, white chairs on the terrace and a clear blue sky.The Glasshouse
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Kinross
  • 13 miles from the Loch Leven Castle viewpoint
Free 19–22 OctTwo arched glazed doors in a stone wall open onto a paved patio, a rattan table with daffodils and mugs to the right.The Arches
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Kinross
  • 13 miles from the Loch Leven Castle viewpoint
Free 24–26 OctA white rendered cottage with a red tiled roof, dark dormers and a timber porch stands beside a birch tree under a blue sky.West Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Kinross
  • 13 miles from the Loch Leven Castle viewpoint
Free 30 Oct – 2 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in KinrossAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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