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Perthshire

Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve

A Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve on a loch near Dunkeld, where ospreys return each spring to nest 150 metres from the hides.

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Welcome

In the wooded country north-east of Dunkeld, Loch of the Lowes lies still among its reeds and birches, a small island of trees floating in the middle.

Visited and photographed by Simon Hird

The Scottish Wildlife Trust looks after 130 hectares here, of loch, woodland and marsh, and a visitor centre and hides of dark timber look out over the water.

The stars are the ospreys. Each spring they return to their nest in a tree by the shore, just 150 metres from the hides, and through the summer visitors can watch them bring fish to their young, through telescopes in the hides and on the Trust's live camera. Red squirrels live in the woods around the centre.

The hides are quiet places to sit for an hour, watching the light change over the water, and the visitor centre opens every day through the osprey season.

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The Daily for 10 November, from Scotland with love. Aerial view of a concrete road bridge with angled supports spanning a sea loch, twin cloud-wrapped mountain peaks rising behind autumn-coloured hills.

Before you go

The visitor centre and hides open every day in the osprey season and at weekends in winter; the Trust's site has the hours.

Where
Off the A923, two miles north-east of Dunkeld.
Run by
The Scottish Wildlife Trust.

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Did you know

A misty loch seen through a cabin window at Wildwoodz, autumn trees along the shore.
Did you know

Close to the nest.

The osprey nest is just 150 metres from the hides.

A still loch seen through a dark cabin window at Wildwoodz, autumn trees along the far bank.
Did you know

On camera.

The Loch of the Lowes ospreys are the stars of the Trust's live osprey camera.

A timber boardwalk leading to a Scottish Wildlife Trust viewing platform at Wildwoodz, autumn leaves scattered underfoot.
Did you know

Room to roam.

The reserve covers 130 hectares of woodland and freshwater loch.

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Where it is

Two miles north-east of Dunkeld, off the A923 to Blairgowrie.

Close byDunkeld.
  1. A marble table for two with bentwood chairs in front of a wall of wooden wine racks at Redwood Wines in Dunkeld.Redwood Wines2 miles as the crow flies
  2. Inside The Toy Shed in Dunkeld, its green and white shelves lined with toys, games, books and cards.The Toy Shed2 miles as the crow flies
  3. Two riders with mountain bikes outside the timber shed of Progression Bikes in Dunkeld.Progression BikesA bike shop in Dunkeld that hires e-bikes, mountain bikes and children's bikes, with guiding, coaching and trails from the door.2 miles as the crow flies
  4. Gothic arched windows line the sandstone cathedral beside a mossy treeDunkeld CathedralThe ruined medieval cathedral of Dunkeld, on the lawns by the Tay.3 miles 5 min by road
  5. Bronze stag statue on a flowerbed outside a white turreted country houseDunkeld House HotelA country house hotel in woods on the Tay.3 miles 6 min by road
  6. The HermitageThe HermitageDouglas firs and a folly above a waterfall on the Braan.4 miles 7 min by road
Directions
A red timber cabin with a steep pitched roof stands on a hillside among pines, a covered deck and chairs to one side.DunkeldJuniperSleeps 2 · 2.4 miles
ShoppingHairy Coo & Co, Dunkeld2.4 miles
Picnic tables on a lawn with a canopy, church spire and townhouses behindRestaurantsThe Taybank2.5 miles
Dried flower display above a shopfront doorway on Atholl StreetCafeARAN Bakery2.5 miles
Shelves of gifts, baskets and jars fill a small shop interiorShoppingLÒN Store2.5 miles
Rabbit statues flank the metal archway reading "Beatrix Potter GardenAttractionsBeatrix Potter Garden3.1 miles
Birnam, PerthshireAttractionsBirnam3.2 miles
Gnarled old oak with sprawling branches amid autumn woodlandAttractionsBirnam Oak3.3 miles
The Little Trochry Farm sign by the A822, with the farmstand in a blue and yellow horsebox at the foot of the track.ShoppingLittle Trochry Farmstand4.5 miles

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Stay nearby

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

A red timber cabin with a steep pitched roof stands on a hillside among pines, a covered deck and chairs to one side.Juniper
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Dunkeld
  • 2 miles from Loch of the Lowes
Check datesLittle Pheasant, PerthshireLittle Pheasant
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Kincraigie
  • 5 miles from Loch of the Lowes
Check datesAn aerial view shows a stone and timber cottage with a round hot tub in the garden, hills rising behind a dry stone wall.Pheasant Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Kincraigie
  • 5 miles from Loch of the Lowes
Check datesA stone cottage with a gabled dormer window catches evening light among autumn trees, a bench and picnic table on the gravel outside.Charlottefield
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Tulliemet
  • 7 miles from Loch of the Lowes
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in PerthshireAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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