RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve
RSPB Lochwinnoch is the best place in the west of Scotland for family fun, wild days out and discovering nature with an excellent RSPB shop, visitor centre and visitor trails.
About RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve
| RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve Largs Road, Lochwinnoch PA12 4JF | |
| 01505842663 | |
| RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve Website | |
| Follow RSPBLochwinnoch on Twitter | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
RSPB Lochwinnoch nature reserve was established in 1973. The iconic visitor centre open in 1975 and the same structure still exists today, but the visitor experience is very different from when the reserve first opened.
The current visitor centre provides an opportunity to find out more about and get close to nature, with the help of our team of friendly staff and volunteers. We run a wide range of activities throughout the year, including self-led challenges for kids, guided walks and workshops on photography or birdwatching. Events are often posted on Facebook but visit our website www.rspb.org.uk for the most up-to-date information.
The reserve has a well-stocked shop with the latest bird feeding and care equipment in stock, along with binoculars and telescopes, an excellent range of wildlife books, gifts for all ages and lots for kids as well. Stock up on bird seed, get someone a birthday present or treat yourself to something from our snack selection, which includes sandwiches, gluten free cakes, ice creams and our range of teas and coffees.
The visitor centre has excellent views over the Aird Meadow section of the reserve from both the downstairs viewing area and upstairs from the Tower. Telescopes are provided in the tower to assist you with your viewing to help you get the most from your day out.
The reserve has three main walks: Aird Meadow trail (1.5km) - a beautiful woodland walk which finishes with a boardwalk leading you out to the Peel Tower, a 16th century ruin, and providing stunning views over both Castle Semple and Aird Meadows Lochs. Along the route you will pass various viewing points, from which you can see a wide variety of woodland and wetland birds. The trail and viewpoints are wheelchair accessible, although the surface is natural and uneven in places; Dubbs trail (500m) - a walk through the fen with a simple and peaceful viewpoint at the end overlooking the Aird Meadow Loch; Semple Trail (1.5km) walk along this entirely off-road track from the RSPB Centre all the way to Castle Semple visitor centre, taking in the River Calder and accompanying wildlife (kingfisher, dipper, grey wagtail).
Lochwinnoch village and the nearby visitor attractions make this an excellent place for an afternoon out with the family, only 20mins from Glasgow! As well as lots of kiddie-friendly areas, including the play area, the reserve also has plenty of quieter places where you can watch wildlife, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Entrance charges:
Entry to the reserve and visitor centre is free of charge. There is a car parking charge of £3 per car, for up to 6 hours. Parking is free for RSPB members and blue badge holders. There is 30 minutes free parking for those just wishing to use the shop.
Information for dog owners:
Dogs are allowed on all footpaths. Dogs are requested to be kept on a lead or at least close control in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Cycling at RSPB Lochwinnoch:
Lochwinnoch is one of the most accessible RSPB sites in the UK, just a few hundred yards from Lochwinnoch train station, it sits alongside National Cycle Route 7, with a safe walking route to and from the village itself and close by the A737 Irvine road.
If you're cycling, why not take the opportunity to use the Semple Trail, an off-road route that joins RSPB Lochwinnoch, Lochwinnoch village and Castle Semple Visitor Centre to the village of Howwood. Why not cycle from RSPB Lochwinnoch to Howwood and then get the train back?
En route, you can enjoy vast stretches of farmland or take in the wildlife and scenery of the Aird Meadow and Castle Semple Lochs.
You could take a small diversion into the beautiful Parkhill Woods or stop off at the RSPB visitor centre to enjoy our woodland birds and feeding station, offering excellent views of a wide variety of species including Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches and much more besides!
A great day out for the whole family!
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.
Upcoming Events at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve
Guided Wildlife Walk
Explore the wonderful wetlands at RSPB Lochwinnoch! The experienced guide will take you around the reserve and point out the interesting wildlife to be found!
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Beginners Wildlife Photography Workshop
Learn how to take great outdoors and wildlife photographs with your own camera, then see your results on screen on this Beginners Photography Workshop at RSPB Lochwinnoch!
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Summer Super Spotter Scavenger Hunt
Explore the woodland trails at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve this Summer on this family-friendly Scavenger Hunt!
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The Great Gnome Hunt
Explore the woodland trail and see how many items you can find on the Great Gnome Hunt with your family at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve!
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Guided Bat Walk
Head along to RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve on August 30th or September 20th and explore the fascinating world of bats with Clyde Bat Group!
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Women Only Wildlife Walk
RSPB Lochwinnoch have created an evening walk for women which will be led by female staff and volunteers who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm for nature.
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Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Search along the woodland trail for the hidden Halloween themed items as part of this fun family activity at RSPB Lochwinnoch... can you spot them all?
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Binocular and Telescopes Weekend
Come along to a free Binocular & Telescope Weekend at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve where expert advice will be on hand all day!
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Birding For Beginners
Are you new to birdwatching or interested in taking it up? Join the team at RSPB Lochwinnoch for the ideal workshop to introduce beginners to this fantastic hobby!
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