APR25: Loch Leven’s Squirrelly Stroll & Sleeping Giant
3 people attending
12 places left
#GetOutMore this April!
This event is one of loads of events taking place over the same weekend! Check out all the events over the weekend of 4-6 April 2025: OutdoorLads.events/APR25. Great for new and regular members!
This scenic walk around Loch Leven offers a mix of history, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Loch Leven, the largest lowland loch in Scotland, is a haven for birdlife, including ospreys and wintering geese, while its waters have witnessed centuries of Scottish history—including the imprisonment of Mary, Queen of Scots on Castle Island.
Keep an eye out for the elusive red squirrel, a charming native species that thrives in the woodlands around the loch. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot one darting through the trees or pausing for a nibble.
A highlight along the way is the Sleeping Giant, a distinctive hill formation that, when viewed from the right angle, resembles a giant lying on its back. It’s a local legend and a great spot for a scenic break.
The Loch Leven Heritage Trail is a stunning 21km (13-mile) circular path that winds around Loch Leven, one of Scotland’s most scenic and wildlife-rich lochs. The fully accessible, well-maintained route offers a mix of woodlands, wetlands, and open shoreline, making it a fantastic choice for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers alike. We will not complete the whole 21 km of the trail, but we will walk part of it to look for the hides.
This walk will start from on the edge of Loch Leven, we will explore and walk through the wetland area, Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Red Squirrel trail, Benarty wood, and reach Benarty Hill and Vane Hill. Total distance of this walk is around 10km, with a total ascend of 335m.
If you fancy a Park Run at the Loch Leven course before the walk, sign up for the Park Run as well, and make your day worth! You can run, walk, or jog.
Is it dog friendly?
Dogs are very welcome but please note and abide by the Countryside Code (https://tinyurl.com/rlqvp3h). Please also remember not everyone loves your dog as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.
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Photos : Taken by event leader Marvin (Marvin16).
What to bring
Water: Bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever
Day Rucksack: Typically 20-30 Litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your
arms freely.
Boots: Waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking.
Gaiters: Recommended as there are stream crossings, and path can be
waterlogged after rain.
Socks: Proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: Let you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature.
Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), one or more mid layer (micro fleece or soft-shell jacket),
and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece).
Trousers: Walking trousers or shorts with breathable fabric is highly recommended for this walk
Waterproof: Waterproof jacket is essential for any hiking activities as weather can be
quickly changing. A good waterproof jacket will keep you dry to prevent you from
hypothermia. Waterproof trousers are recommended as weather can be quickly changing.
Gloves: Windproof, or waterproof gloves. Bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Hat or cap: Stay warm in winter and shaded and cool in summer.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter.
Sun cream: Can be useful to prevent prolong UV exposure, can be used on sunny and cloudy
days.
Bring your binocular or monocular with you if you have one, you will have a chance to see many wildlife in this walk. Or even a camera if you have a professional one and would like to take pictures of wildlife, but at your own risk.
Food & drink
Please bring snacks, lunch, and at least 2 litres of water.