Look Local - Loch Leven

Exploring our local area 

A few months ago now we were down visiting friends in Middlesborough & they took us around some of their local spots.  Most of which they had not fully explored themselves but were local attractions.

It can be so easy to take for granted the things/places we have nearby, like when I lived in Edinburgh but never went to the castle or dungeons despite saying many times "oh I must go"

Our friends are going to be visiting us after summer & have never been to our new house or this area of Scotland.  So I am on the hunt for places near by to enjoy & share with them to showcase our local area.  In the process I get to explore & enjoy what's right on my doorstep!

I plan on doing a wee feature of Look Local - reporting on things I have locally to do or see.

Look Local - Loch Leven - try say that 5 times fast!

New walking route

First stop had to be Loch Leven.  I just have to follow the big brown signs & I am loch side.  Because I am not good at spontaneity, of course this was a planned outing.

I took to the internet & Loch Leven has a it's own lovely Visit Loch Leven site.  Now for many this area is probably more better known for hosting the well known music festival T in the Park.  But for me what I was look for was somewhere me & Bailey could go for fun!  The heritage trail was perfect, an easy path for me with sights & interests dotted along the way & a place to sniff, run, jump, play & hopefully swim for Bailey.

The website was packed full of info on the walks I could do.  I checked out the map & soaked up the info like the true geek that I am.

Bee marks the spot!

Thankfully the site had a wee note to say responsible dog walkers were welcome.  I am happy to class myself as one of them, so with harness, lead, poop bags & obligatory ball launcher at the ready we head off to explore

Kinross Pier to Mary's Gate

It was easy to find all sign posted from motorway.  20mins max & we were down by the Loch.  It was a dry Sunday so it was busy with families & bikers, but not too busy, we still felt the peacefulness of the Loch.  Well until Bailey saw the water that is!

It was a fab walk & good intro to the area.  I only have my iPhone as a camera so excuse quality I know a real photographer could do so much better but great for little old me to capture the day.

I love information boards - they bring the surroundings to life

Bailey loved the water & met a new friend ….

Bailey & the not so friendly swan!

An old graveyard with a Watchtower to look out for Body Snatchers!

A panoramic view of Castle Island where Mary Queen of Scot's was imprisoned - a boat runs from the pier so visitors can tour the castle.  Water was too choppy & boat was far to small for me!

Who lives in a house like this?

Can you imagine having 6km long 'pond' at the bottom of your garden? Oh yeah & it has a castle on it!

Fish Gate - Kinross House & Gardens

A peak at the fisherman on the Loch from the paths

Love the dramatic sky!

We ended up just turning back & going back along the path rather than through the town (Bailey likes to be off the lead) so when we got back to the car we drove on up the Loch a bit to a farm shop with a cafe, gifts & local produce, Loch Leven's Larder.

And what better way to end a lovely walk than with an ice cream!

Jammie Dodger flavour!

We all had a great wee day out.  We learned some interesting facts about the area, clocked up some steps & Bailey enjoyed a swim.  Plus there was other friendly dogs to play with along the way.

All in all we will definitely be back! & depending on the weather we could take our friends when they visit for a walk, a boat trip or just a cup of tea & a scone!

Do you explore your local area?

Do you go for ice cream in a cone or a tub?