Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve covers 98 hectares near Dunkeld. From early April to late August, the star attraction is a pair of breeding ospreys, which nest just 150 metres from our observation hide.
Address: Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld PH8 0HH
Why visit?
Highlights include:
- Getting closer to the ospreys with binoculars, telescopes and live video footage
- Spotting red squirrels, woodpeckers and other woodland birds from viewing windows
- Interactive displays help bring the story of Loch of the Lowes to life
- Education activities and school visits
- Regular family events throughout the year
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Gift shop stocking a range of wildlife-themed gifts, souvenirs and birdcare products
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Hot and cold drinks and light refreshments available
Best time to visit?
- Apr – Aug for ospreys
- Apr – Sept for beavers
- All year round for red squirrels
- All year round for wildfowl
- All year round for bird feeders & deer
Visit for:
- birdwatching
- woodlands
- wildflowers
- scenery
- mammals
Other information
The Fungarth path leads from the historic town of Dunkeld to Loch of Lowes.
Events
Find out what events are taking place at Loch of the Lowes in the coming months by viewing our events leaflet.
You can book on to these events by clicking the button below.
It’s the start of a new season and a brand new ranger team at Loch of the Lowes. They’ve already been busy, tackling bracken and invasive species such as lupin and Himalayan balsam, and getting acquainted with the reserves around the Perthshire area which include the unique tummel shingle islands, Keltneyburn wildflower meadow, Balnaguard Glen and Brerachan meadow. Here’s a little introduction to each of the new assistant rangers who will be staying in the bothy on site for the…
Did you know, Loch of the Lowes is amongst the top places in Scotland to view Red Squirrels? More than seven individual squirrels come in to our feeding station (we tell them apart by their differently coloured tails). Some people have never seen a red squirrel before, others remember them hazily from childhoods of the 1940s-60s because their dwindling numbers mean most people never have a chance to see them. Looking out onto our feeding station (and surrounding woodland) gives…
At 13:53 today PT4 took his first flight from the nest. He left and went to sit on a Scots pine across the water from the hide. Hidden from view except for when he stretches his wings. He is yet to return but no doubt when LM12 returns with a fish he will make his way back to the nest. PT5 has also spent time off the nest today. Practicing his landings onto the nest. Practice makes perfect as they…
It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for all season! PT5 took his first flight out of the nest at 18:44 this evening. We’re expecting his brother to follow within days. 
This time of year is undoubtedly the most exciting time for the team at Loch of the Lowes. We get to watch with baited breath for the first chick to launch itself from the nest. There have been a few moments today when I thought one must have gone as the chicks have been sitting so close to each other it appears as though one’s missing. So while we’ve been glues to our screens to witness the first fledging, I…
Our chicks are certainly growing up fast! The chicks are now feeding themselves and grabbing the fish from their parent’s talons, rather than waiting for the female to feed them. Over the past few days they have been busy building up their wing muscles preparing themselves for fledging. They spend a lot of time flapping their wings whilst standing on the nest, and they will then progress to “helicoptering” above the nest. This is where they are able to lift…
What a cracker of a day for the annual ringing of the young osprey chicks! The team at Lowes could not have asked for better weather; calm, warm and not a breath of wind, perfect for the tricky job of ascending the tree by local licensed and experienced raptor ringer Keith Brockie. The young birds even had an early feed – or ‘breakfish’ – ready for the day ahead. Keith has decades of experience and the chicks were safe in…
Please be aware that our camera will be down this morning because we have engaged a local licensed ringer to ring the chicks. We hope to have the webcam back up and running shortly. Thank you for your patience. Lowes Team