Slow down messages on the red bar by placing your cursor on the bar
Avian Flu found at Birnie and Gaddon Lochs, please abide by on-site signs
Fife Coastal Path diversions at Tentsmuir. Please follow signs
Craigmead toilets water supply: accessible toilet available to all, key hanging by door
Eden Estuary Centre remains closed for refurbishment
Bridge replacement work starts at Birnie and Gaddon Lochs Mon 24th. See signage

Key Information

Starting Point

Grid Reference: NO283125

Postcode: KY15 7UT

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Grading...

Weather...

Temperature

12°C

Feels Like...

11°C

Wind Speed

4 mph

Chance of precipitation

8%

Related Paths

Downloads...

Route data can be downloaded for use on accessibility devices.

Check the red message bar on our website and the specific website page for the route you plan to walk for any route changes prior to starting your walk.

Birnie & Gaddon Lochs

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (bird flu) has been confirmed at Birnie and Gaddon Lochs, with a number of swans succumbing to the disease [December 2024].

Bird flu mostly spreads from bird to bird through direct or indirect contact with infected saliva, nasal secretions, or droppings, as well as through predation/scavenging.
Please do not feed the birds on site, as this encourages the birds to congregate.

Please abide by the guidance on site and by advice from our team.

 

Birnie and Gaddon Lochs near Collessie 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.

The two lochs are joined by paths with plenty of rest areas. There are excellent views across Birnie Loch from the picnic site at the main car park. We maintain two bird hides at the site and access is available on request. Birnie and Gaddon Lochs are ideal for family recreational use including walking, bird watching and picnics.

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. 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 with your dog. Please note that water sports and fishing are prohibited as this is a Local Nature Reserve.

If travelling from Cupar to Auchtermuchty, find the car park by taking the Collessie junction off the A91. Please contact us on 01592 656080 for access to the hide.

If you enjoy Birnie & 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
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