Elaine’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Loch Leven Heritage Trail:
Loch Leven is Scotland’s largest lowland freshwater loch and the nature reserve provides a haven for wildlife.
The trail is a unique experience linking natural, historic and cultural heritage around Loch Leven. It’s a circular path of 13 miles / 21 km around the loch. It’s level and barrier free for most of its length making it suitable for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair and motorised scooter users.
For walks / routes please see www.walkhighlands.co.uk
13 locals recommend
Loch Leven Heritage Trail
Loch Leven Heritage Trail
Loch Leven Heritage Trail:
Loch Leven is Scotland’s largest lowland freshwater loch and the nature reserve provides a haven for wildlife.
The trail is a unique experience linking natural, historic and cultural heritage around Loch Leven. It’s a circular path of 13 miles / 21 km around the loch. It’s level and barrier free for most of its length making it suitable for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair and motorised scooter users.
For walks / routes please see www.walkhighlands.co.uk
Loch Leven Castle:
Enjoy a visit to Loch Leven Castle by catching a small boat from the harbour - 1st April to 31st October. Mary Queen of Scots was kept captive here from 1567-68; held in one of Scotland's oldest Tower Houses until her escape. www.historicenvironment.scot
9 locals recommend
Lochleven Castle
Pier RoadLoch Leven Castle:
Enjoy a visit to Loch Leven Castle by catching a small boat from the harbour - 1st April to 31st October. Mary Queen of Scots was kept captive here from 1567-68; held in one of Scotland's oldest Tower Houses until her escape. www.historicenvironment.scot
Bird watching
Café
RSPB / Royal Society for the Protection of Birds:
Set on the southern shore of the loch, Loch Leven Nature Reserve offers a great day out for families, nature lovers and wildlife watchers alike. More information on their website www.rspb.org.uk
17 locals recommend
RSPB Scotland Loch Leven
B9097Bird watching
Café
RSPB / Royal Society for the Protection of Birds:
Set on the southern shore of the loch, Loch Leven Nature Reserve offers a great day out for families, nature lovers and wildlife watchers alike. More information on their website www.rspb.org.uk
The Kelpies, Falkirk:
(35 minute drive)
The Kelpies are 30 metre high horse head steel sculptures depicting Kelpies, standing next to a new extension to the Forth and Clyde Canal. A spectacular sight with tour guides available to book to bring the sculptures to life and tell their story.
The Kelpies are part of the Helix which is a 5 star tourist attraction with fantastic play park, visitor centre with cafe and shop. www.thehelix.co.uk
158 locals recommend
The Kelpies
The HelixThe Kelpies, Falkirk:
(35 minute drive)
The Kelpies are 30 metre high horse head steel sculptures depicting Kelpies, standing next to a new extension to the Forth and Clyde Canal. A spectacular sight with tour guides available to book to bring the sculptures to life and tell their story.
The Kelpies are part of the Helix which is a 5 star tourist attraction with fantastic play park, visitor centre with cafe and shop. www.thehelix.co.uk
Linlithgow Palace
KirkgateForth Bridge
Edinburgh:
(40 minute drive from Kinross)
Scotland capital, a bustling city with lots to see and do.
Steeped in history, it’s compact and hilly with a medieval Old Town and elegant New Town.
Edinburgh Castle looms over the city and is a spectacular sight.
For information on tours, sights, etc. please see www.visitscotland.com
285 locals recommend
Edinburgh
Edinburgh:
(40 minute drive from Kinross)
Scotland capital, a bustling city with lots to see and do.
Steeped in history, it’s compact and hilly with a medieval Old Town and elegant New Town.
Edinburgh Castle looms over the city and is a spectacular sight.
For information on tours, sights, etc. please see www.visitscotland.com
Falkland:
(25 minute drive from Kinross)
Falkland nestles between the two Lomond Hills in the Howe of Fife. It’s a quaint little village well known for Falkland Palace and gardens...more recently famous for appearing in the very popular Outlander series.
As well as the Palace and gardens there’s lovely walks, boutique shops, cafes and pubs.
There’s a lovely woodland walk (approximately 1 mile / 1.6 km) between Falkland and Pillars of Hercules Organic Farm Shop & Bistro where you will find fresh produce and delicious fresh organic food and home made baking. (Vegan & Gluten free options). www.visitscotland.com
70 locals recommend
Falkland Palace & Garden
East PortFalkland:
(25 minute drive from Kinross)
Falkland nestles between the two Lomond Hills in the Howe of Fife. It’s a quaint little village well known for Falkland Palace and gardens...more recently famous for appearing in the very popular Outlander series.
As well as the Palace and gardens there’s lovely walks, boutique shops, cafes and pubs.
There’s a lovely woodland walk (approximately 1 mile / 1.6 km) between Falkland and Pillars of Hercules Organic Farm Shop & Bistro where you will find fresh produce and delicious fresh organic food and home made baking. (Vegan & Gluten free options). www.visitscotland.com
Lochore Meadows:
Popular with walkers, cyclists and families. Great walking / cycling routes plus a great big play park for the kids. There’s water activities on the Loch (paddle boarding / kayaking etc.) plus on sunny days the kids can play on the beach & paddle in the loch. www.lochoremeadows.co.uk
10 locals recommend
Lochore Meadows
Lochore Meadows:
Popular with walkers, cyclists and families. Great walking / cycling routes plus a great big play park for the kids. There’s water activities on the Loch (paddle boarding / kayaking etc.) plus on sunny days the kids can play on the beach & paddle in the loch. www.lochoremeadows.co.uk
Willowgate Activity Centre
The Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk:
(45 minute drive from Kinross)
The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift in central Scotland, connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. The Wheel raises boats by 24 metres (79ft), but the Union Canal is still 11 metres (36 ft) higher than the aqueduct which meets the Wheel. You can try out the boat lift for yourself by booking tickets via their website.
There’s also various eateries and ice cream available, a Visitor Centre plus lots of other activities such as SU paddle boarding, water zorbing, bumper & peddle boats, segways, kids activity zone, bike hire etc. Please see their website www.scottishcanals.co.uk
115 locals recommend
The Falkirk Wheel
Lime RoadThe Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk:
(45 minute drive from Kinross)
The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift in central Scotland, connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. The Wheel raises boats by 24 metres (79ft), but the Union Canal is still 11 metres (36 ft) higher than the aqueduct which meets the Wheel. You can try out the boat lift for yourself by booking tickets via their website.
There’s also various eateries and ice cream available, a Visitor Centre plus lots of other activities such as SU paddle boarding, water zorbing, bumper & peddle boats, segways, kids activity zone, bike hire etc. Please see their website www.scottishcanals.co.uk
Kinross Golf Courses
2 MuirsSt Andrews Aquarium
The ScoresDeep Sea World
Forthside TerraceEdinburgh Zoo
134 Corstorphine RdEdinburgh Castle
CastlehillCamera Obscura and World of Illusions
549 CastlehillBlackness Castle
Burleigh Castle
Burleigh RoadHouse Of The Binns
Glamis Castle
Castle Campbell
The Coach House Spa
Neighbourhoods
St. Andrews:
(45 minute drive from Kinross)
St. Andrews is a seaside town on Scotland’s east coast well known for St. Andrews University and its many golf courses, including the Old Course with the landmark Swilcan Bridge at the 18th hole. St. Andrews is a great town to visit and makes a lovely day out with lots to do from looking around the ruins of St. Andrews Castle and the Cathedral to enjoying a stroll along the harbour. With lots of cafes and restaurants there’s plenty choice to suit all budgets plus there’s shops, ice cream parlours a golf museum and aquarium. www.deepseaworld.com www.standrewsaquarium.co.uk
257 locals recommend
St Andrews
St. Andrews:
(45 minute drive from Kinross)
St. Andrews is a seaside town on Scotland’s east coast well known for St. Andrews University and its many golf courses, including the Old Course with the landmark Swilcan Bridge at the 18th hole. St. Andrews is a great town to visit and makes a lovely day out with lots to do from looking around the ruins of St. Andrews Castle and the Cathedral to enjoying a stroll along the harbour. With lots of cafes and restaurants there’s plenty choice to suit all budgets plus there’s shops, ice cream parlours a golf museum and aquarium. www.deepseaworld.com www.standrewsaquarium.co.uk
South Queensferry:
(20 minute drive from Kinross)
South Queensferry, a charming town which lies on the shore of the Firth of Forth between the Forth Rail Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing. South Queensferry is popular for its cafes and restaurants with views looking out over the famous Bridges (check out Scotts Bar & Restaurant, Orocco Pier, The Three Bridges to name but a few).
There’s also boat trips to Inchcolm Island, a lovely wee day trip. www.visitscotland.com
114 locals recommend
Queensferry
South Queensferry:
(20 minute drive from Kinross)
South Queensferry, a charming town which lies on the shore of the Firth of Forth between the Forth Rail Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing. South Queensferry is popular for its cafes and restaurants with views looking out over the famous Bridges (check out Scotts Bar & Restaurant, Orocco Pier, The Three Bridges to name but a few).
There’s also boat trips to Inchcolm Island, a lovely wee day trip. www.visitscotland.com
Perth City:
A beautiful and historic city located on the banks of the River Tay. It’s quite compact so easy to get around and there’s lots on offer such as live music, events (such as the Halloween Parade and Fun Night & The Christmas Markets) independent + High Street shops and many award winning eateries. There’s also water activities on the River Tay such as boat trips plus paddle boarding, kayaking, aqua zorbing etc.
Surrounded by hills and mountains Perth is particularly enjoyed by walkers, mountain bikers and photographers. Please see websites such as www.perthcity.co.uk or visit Scotland for details.
Central parking is plentiful and at a fairly reasonable cost. www.perthcity.co.uk www.visitscotland.co.uk
65 locals recommend
Perth
Perth City:
A beautiful and historic city located on the banks of the River Tay. It’s quite compact so easy to get around and there’s lots on offer such as live music, events (such as the Halloween Parade and Fun Night & The Christmas Markets) independent + High Street shops and many award winning eateries. There’s also water activities on the River Tay such as boat trips plus paddle boarding, kayaking, aqua zorbing etc.
Surrounded by hills and mountains Perth is particularly enjoyed by walkers, mountain bikers and photographers. Please see websites such as www.perthcity.co.uk or visit Scotland for details.
Central parking is plentiful and at a fairly reasonable cost. www.perthcity.co.uk www.visitscotland.co.uk
Falkland:
(25 minute drive from Kinross)
Falkland nestles between the two Lomond Hills in the Howe of Fife. It’s a quaint little village well known for Falkland Palace and gardens...more recently famous for appearing in the very popular Outlander series.
As well as the Palace and gardens there’s lovely walks, boutique shops, cafes and pubs.
There’s a lovely woodland walk (approximately 1 mile / 1.6 km) between Falkland and Pillars of Hercules Organic Farm Shop & Bistro where you will find fresh produce and delicious fresh organic food and home made baking. (Vegan & Gluten free options). www.visitscotland.com
37 locals recommend
Falkland
Falkland:
(25 minute drive from Kinross)
Falkland nestles between the two Lomond Hills in the Howe of Fife. It’s a quaint little village well known for Falkland Palace and gardens...more recently famous for appearing in the very popular Outlander series.
As well as the Palace and gardens there’s lovely walks, boutique shops, cafes and pubs.
There’s a lovely woodland walk (approximately 1 mile / 1.6 km) between Falkland and Pillars of Hercules Organic Farm Shop & Bistro where you will find fresh produce and delicious fresh organic food and home made baking. (Vegan & Gluten free options). www.visitscotland.com
Dundee
Edinburgh:
(40 minute drive from Kinross)
Scotland capital, a bustling city with lots to see and do.
Steeped in history, it’s compact and hilly with a medieval Old Town and elegant New Town.
Edinburgh Castle looms over the city and is a spectacular sight.
For information on tours, sights, etc. please see www.visitscotland.com
285 locals recommend
Edinburgh
Edinburgh:
(40 minute drive from Kinross)
Scotland capital, a bustling city with lots to see and do.
Steeped in history, it’s compact and hilly with a medieval Old Town and elegant New Town.
Edinburgh Castle looms over the city and is a spectacular sight.
For information on tours, sights, etc. please see www.visitscotland.com
Food scene
Unorthodox Roasters
129 High StHeaven Scent Coffee Shop
19 South StLochend Farm Shop
The Kirklands Hotel
20 High StThe Boathouse
Pier RoadThe Courthouse Coffee Bar & Restaurant: 01577 - 351020
Lovely modern restaurant located in the former court house buildings - a great option for breakfast / lunch / dinner and dog friendly.
16 locals recommend
The Court House Coffee Bar & Restaurant
21-25 High StThe Courthouse Coffee Bar & Restaurant: 01577 - 351020
Lovely modern restaurant located in the former court house buildings - a great option for breakfast / lunch / dinner and dog friendly.
Scotts Bar & Restaurant
Shore RoadThe Muirs Inn
49 MuirsLoch Leven Brewery
MuirsCairnie Fruit Farm & Mega Maze
Things to do
Scottish Gliding Centre:
Enjoy the amazing scenery of Kinross-shire from a birds eye view by taking a gliding lesson at the Scottish Gliding Centre which is in the nearby village of Portmoak (a 10 minute drive from Kinross). Flying takes place throughout the year, weather permitting. Please see their website for information: www.scottishglidingcentre.co.uk
Scottish Gliding Centre
Loch Leven’s Larder
Family run farm, restaurant, deli and retail shop with views out to Loch Leven - situated 3 miles from Kinross, a must visit.
41 locals recommend
Loch Leven's Larder
Loch Leven’s Larder
Family run farm, restaurant, deli and retail shop with views out to Loch Leven - situated 3 miles from Kinross, a must visit.
Craigtoun Country Park:
A little further away (40 minute drive) a great park for kids with seasonal events and attractions such as... tractor rides, boating on the lake, crazy golf, putting, bouncy castle, pedal cars plus a park with zip rides, trampolines etc. There’s also a cafe.
43 locals recommend
Craigtoun Country Park
Craigtoun Country Park:
A little further away (40 minute drive) a great park for kids with seasonal events and attractions such as... tractor rides, boating on the lake, crazy golf, putting, bouncy castle, pedal cars plus a park with zip rides, trampolines etc. There’s also a cafe.
Muddy Boots:
Fun indoor soft play area plus outdoor adventure park. There’s also a cafe and restaurant.
27 locals recommend
Muddy Boots
Muddy Boots:
Fun indoor soft play area plus outdoor adventure park. There’s also a cafe and restaurant.
The Scottish Deer Centre:
A very popular day out for families and nature lovers. There’s different tours and talks plus trailer rides, a kart track, an indoor play area plus adventure park and catering.
31 locals recommend
The Scottish Deer Centre
The Scottish Deer Centre:
A very popular day out for families and nature lovers. There’s different tours and talks plus trailer rides, a kart track, an indoor play area plus adventure park and catering.
Scone Palace - beautiful historic palace and gardens with very friendly & stunning peacocks!
There’s a great play park for the kids plus a maze for them to run around in.
108 locals recommend
Scone Palace
Scone Palace - beautiful historic palace and gardens with very friendly & stunning peacocks!
There’s a great play park for the kids plus a maze for them to run around in.
Craigies Farm Deli & Cafe:
All day excellent cafe deli with animals for the kids to meet and a play park.
18 locals recommend
Craigie's Farm Deli and Cafe
Craigies Farm Deli & Cafe:
All day excellent cafe deli with animals for the kids to meet and a play park.
The Coach House Spa