Loch Leven and Loch of the Lowes

During our week staying at beautiful Blairmore Farm, I was determined to spend some time at Perthshire’s fabulous lochs. We decided to visit two very different lochs, both of which are near to Blairmore Farm and offer plenty to keep visitors busy.

Loch Leven

When we packed up to go on holiday, we promised Libby that she would be able to ride her bike while we were away. Loch Leven has a lovely flat area beside the loch with picnic benches, flat paths and a little park. Perfect for Libby’s first time cycling without stabilisers on her bike.

In the centre of Loch Leven, there is an island where Loch Leven Castle is located. It wasn’t open the day we visited, so we were unable to take the boat over. The next time we are in the area we’ll definitely be taking a look at the castle, but on the day we visited, the water was too tempting so we decided it was time to get in for a spot of wild swimming.

The water was beautifully clean and clear, and it was lovely to be able to get in with both the girls and the dogs. Libby and Lia wore their Konfidence wetsuits, and neither of them batted an eyelid at the cold water. They both had a paddle around, then came out of their depth for a bit of a swim with me.

As for the dogs, Pluto really isn’t into getting cold and wet, but Bubbles was desperate to get in for a swim. Whenever we are near the coast or a lake, Bubbles loves to come for a swim with me. Loch Leven was no exception and it was lovely to spend some time with her.

Loch of the Lowes

Despite being geographically nearby, Loch of the Lowes has a totally different feel from Loch Leven. At Loch of the Lowes, there is an Osprey nest that is protected by the RSPB. The area has an information centre, and several hides containing telescopes that the public can use, after paying a small entry fee.

Information online indicated that dogs were allowed at Loch of the Lowes, so we trooped over there with three dogs. However when we arrived, it became clear that whilst there was a nice walk that we could do with the dogs, they weren’t allowed in the RSPB area. So my husband and our friends took the girls in initially, whilst I took the dogs for a walk.

They manage to catch sight of the Ospreys, as well as a herd of deer that came down to the side of the Loch to drink. There was even a rare white deer among them. When I finished walking the dogs, I had a quick look through the telescopes at the Osprey nest, and manage to take quite a nice photo by pointing my phone camera down the telescope. It really was quite an impressive sight, and one that is quite rare so we felt privileged to see the nesting birds.

We really enjoyed checking out both Loch Leven and Loch of the Lowes. We fully intend to take another trip to Blairmore Farm in the future, and will definitely visit both Lochs again. In particular, I look forward to visiting Loch Leven when the castle is open and my husband is able to look after the children for longer so that I can go for a proper swim across to the other side of the Loch.

Thank you to the fabulous Perthshire Photographer Melanie Chadd for her stunning photos. And thanks also for your hospitality during our stay, we’ll be back to see you again soon!