Loch Ardinning

Loch Ardinning is a picturesque, visitor-friendly wildlife haven with areas of wetland, woodland, grassland and moorland. Mature willow, birch and alder thrive in the wetlands along the south west shore and reeds, rushes and sedges fringe the northern shores.  

The loch is rich in invertebrates, particularly butterflies and dragonflies, and the delicate water lobelia, a local speciality, is in full flower in July.

Two walks around the reserve provide plenty of opportunities for appreciating the wildlife.

• Reserve information
• Wildlife
• How to find us
• Accessibility

Why visit?

• Chance to spot black grouse
• Colourful butterflies and dragonflies
• Explosions of colour from wildflowers
• User-friendly paths across the reserve

Best time to visit?

• Apr to Sep for butterflies
• May to Aug for wildflowers
• Jun to Aug for water lobelia
• Oct to Mar for wildfowl

Visit for:

• Butterflies
• Pond
• Wetland
• Scenery
• Wildflowers
• Grasslands
• Woodlands
• Birdwatching

• 
  Snipe
• 
  Skylark
• 
  Common Lizard
• 
  Swallow
• 
  Crossbill
• 
  Bullfinch
• 
  Willow Warbler
• 
  Brown Hare
• 
  Linnet

Directions

From Glasgow, take the A81 (Aberfoyle Road). The reserve is about 2.5 miles north of Milngavie. The main parking area is a layby on the east side of the A81, about 100m sound of the dam. There are smaller laybys at the dam itself.

Getting onto the reserve

Well marked paths run straight from the parking areas.

Please take care because paths may be muddy after wet weather.

Getting round this reserve

Please keep dogs under close control during the breeding season (Apr to Aug) because some bird species are very sensitive to disturbance.

Please note that the reserve is grazed throughout the year by cattle and sheep.