Please be aware of suspected blue-green algal blooms at Birnie Loch. People and pets should not go in the water. See on-site signage for advice.
Birnie and Gaddon are two tranquil and picturesque lochs near Collessie that are linked by paths and each can be walked around.
In 2025 we installed new bridges on the paths and refurbished the bird hide at Birnie Loch. You will also find plenty of rest areas on the paths.
The lochs have an interesting history. They were excavated during the 1980’s and 1990’s as sand and gravel quarries. Since then they have been restored to provide a home for a huge range of bird and plant species, and locals have watched with interest as nature and wildlife have flourished over the past decades.
Birnie and Gaddon Lochs are ideal for families to enjoy with walking, bird watching and picnics. The picnic area at the main car park has excellent views across Birnie Loch. The site is predominately open water, surrounded by sparse woodland. But it also includes smaller areas of wetland and grassland habitats that help attract a variety of wildlife.
We maintain a bird hide at each loch. And, as well as excellent bird watching, there’s a chance to spot some of Fife’s rare mammals including red squirrel, otter and bats.
Please keep dogs on short leads to avoid disturbing breeding birds and livestock. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides more information on enjoying outdoor spaces responsibly, and with your dog. Please note that water sports and fishing are prohibited as this is a Local Nature Reserve.
To find the car park, when travelling from Cupar to Auchtermuchty, take the Collessie junction off the A91. Please phone us on 01592 656080 [during office hours preferably] for access to the hides.
If you enjoy Birnie and Gaddon Lochs, you might also like Cameron Reservoir, which is a Special Protection Area on account of its wintering waterfowl.
BIRNIE & GADDON LOCHS CAR PARK
- Overnight capacity: 4 vehicles only
- Parking Charge Overnight: £5 (payment via the honesty box)
- Parking Charge Daytime: Under 2 hours free / All day parking £2 (payment via honesty box)
- Disabled Parking Daytime: Free
- Overnight Toilets: No
- Daytime Opening Hours: April – September 07:00 – 22:00/October – March 07:00 – 20:00
