RSPB Scotland Lochwinnoch - Lochwinnoch

Christopher L.

Great day out! Got me into birdwatching, the staff are really helpful. There's plenty of small birds you may not see but you're all but guaranteed to see something interesting. Even if you don't see any birds, the walk is enjoyable.

McPhersonator

A great variety of woodland, garden and water birds can always be spotted, including some rarities! The shop has loads of bird food, toys, optics, books and stationary, and the staff are always incredibly friendly and helpful. There's even a bit of a lookout tower you can go up for a better view over the loch. The cafe is very basic but a hot drink is always appreciated after a walk along the loch. Toilets are available.
As for the walk itself, it is currently non-circular and very easy. You just walk along the path up the loch, then turn on the boardwalk. See the ruin at the end, then turn back! You don't come here for the walking though (unless you specifically need a non-challenging, highly accessible walk). You come for the birds and the shop, and in those respects it doesn't disappoint.

Deborah

A great day out from Glasgow on public transport - only 23 mins from Glasgow Central by train.

The staff/volunteers are wonderful: one showed me the correct way to use binoculars as a glasses wearer, and another helped us identify a juvenile cormorant.

The cafe has a great view over the Loch and sells pre packaged sandwiches, crisps, cakes, biscuits, etc. There’s also a coffee machine.

We hired some binoculars for £5 which were very good, and you can also look out of the telescope at the top of the hide in the visitor’s centre.

Highly recommend this as a cheap and easy day out from Glasgow!

Melanie S.

Great day out. If you are a RSPB member, the parking is free. Otherwise it's £4.

The shop has plenty of cute bits and pieces. We had coffee in the cafe. The cafe is more like a shop with tables but has a fantastic view. If you forget your binoculars, you can rent them from the shop too!

The walks are great. Plenty of information around the paths and lots of viewpoints with some seating or leaning posts. It was a little rainy while we were there but it was great to get some fresh air and see lots of little moorhen chicks. We saw plenty of finches, tits and other small birds at the feeding area too.

Really nice afternoon out!

Jo

Also known as castle semple. Free parking and lots of it. Visitor centre and across the loch is the rspb reserve with its own carpark. There are lots of walking paths from the visitor centre carpark. There was a mobile sauna by the lake when we were there at easter and people paddle boarding etc.

Angela W.

Beautiful walk through woodland around a loch. Diverse birds with excellent views of nesting Greater Grebe. Good information from staff in the Center. Get a coffee and ice cream here and the RSPB shop has a good selection on offer. Allow for two hours to enjoy the birds.

Elanna M.

Short walk along the loch..need to cross the busy road as well to see some of it. There is a longer walk but it's not a loop and the thought of back tracking wasnt on our agenda. Great spot for bird watching though.

Ewan M.

Great place for a peaceful walk alongside the loch. The scenery is beautiful, and it’s also a fantastic spot for bird watching.