10 ha
Loch Ardinning
Loch Ardinning is a body of freshwater in the district of Stirling in Scotland, lying to the south of the village of Strathblane near the western end of the Campsies. The loch was increased in size by the construction of a dam in 1796; the level was further raised in 1840, and partially rebuilt in 1991.
Location
About
Located in the heart of Scotland, Loch Ardinning is a stunningly beautiful loch that attracts visitors from all over the world. With its crystal clear waters, picturesque surroundings, and abundant wildlife, Loch Ardinning is a nature lover's paradise. Here is a guide to exploring Loch Ardinning from a tourist perspective.
Getting to Loch Ardinning
Loch Ardinning is located just outside the town of Strathblane, which is about a 30-minute drive from Glasgow. The easiest way to get there is by car, but you can also take a bus or train to Strathblane and then walk to the loch. Once you arrive, there is a small car park near the entrance to the nature reserve.
Exploring the Nature Reserve
The Loch Ardinning Nature Reserve is a protected area that encompasses the loch and the surrounding countryside. It is managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which works to protect the wildlife and habitat of the area. Visitors can explore the reserve on foot, following one of several trails that wind through the woods and along the loch shore.
One of the most popular trails is the Lochside Trail, which is a circular route that takes you around the entire loch. This trail is about 3 miles long and takes around 1.5 hours to complete. Along the way, you will see stunning views of the loch and the surrounding countryside, as well as a variety of wildlife, including deer, otters, and a wide variety of birds.
Another popular trail is the Woodland Trail, which takes you through the woods on the east side of the loch. This trail is about 1 mile long and takes around 30 minutes to complete. Along the way, you will see a variety of trees and plants, as well as some of the wildlife that lives in the woods.
Wildlife Watching
One of the highlights of visiting Loch Ardinning is the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. The loch and the surrounding woods are home to a wide variety of birds, including ospreys, buzzards, and great spotted woodpeckers. You may also spot some of the smaller woodland birds, such as coal tits, great tits, and blue tits.
If you're lucky, you may even spot some of the larger mammals that call the nature reserve home, such as roe deer, red squirrels, and otters. Keep an eye out for signs of these animals, such as tracks and droppings, as you explore the reserve.
Fishing
Loch Ardinning is also a popular spot for fishing. The loch is stocked with brown trout, and visitors can purchase a permit to fish from the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Fishing is only allowed from the bank, and there are strict catch and release rules to help protect the fish population.
Final Thoughts
Loch Ardinning is a beautiful and peaceful spot that is perfect for a day trip from Glasgow or a longer stay in the area. Whether you want to explore the nature reserve on foot, watch wildlife, or try your hand at fishing, there is something for everyone at Loch Ardinning. So why not pack a picnic and head out to this stunning loch for a day of relaxation and exploration?
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