Days out
Lochwinnoch
LochwinnochOpenSee opening timesJust 30 minutes from Glasgow, bring the whole family for a wild day out in nature. Explore our trails, take on our scavenger hunt or Great Gnome Hunt this summer, then enjoy a picnic or buy refreshments from our shop.
About
Just 30 minutes from Glasgow city centre by car or train, this wetland reserve is an ideal spot to get away from it all and enjoy some amazing wildlife.
As one of the few wetlands left in the west of Scotland, Lochwinnoch is the perfect place to watch Whooper Swans, Wigeon, Goldeneye and a wide variety of other ducks during winter months. In spring you won't want to miss the elaborate displays of the Great Crested Grebes, while the woodland is alive with wildlife all the year round.
Much of the conservation work we do at Lochwinnoch is to restore the reserve's wetland system to how it would have been more than 100 years ago, before agricultural pressures led to dramatic changes in this landscape. This involves creating new wetland areas, re-naturalising the area's hydrological systems, and reconnecting burns that were diverted.
At a glance
Contactless card payments at machine. Charges apply at all times. 30 spaces, (of which 4 spaces are dedicated for shop customers) 3 Blue Badge spaces Spaces 20m from the visitor centre. Gravel with uneven surface due to frequently developing potholes. Bicycle racks are situated close to the visitor centre entrance. No lighting. No formal drop-off point. No height restriction.
There is one accessible toilet, 10m from the visitor centre entrance.
Baby changing facilities available in accessible toilet.
Nature trails access: Three partly-signposted trails (two 400m trails + one 1.5km trail), all flat with no significant inclines. Main trail (1.5km long) is an all-access trail. All prone to flooding.
Car park is gravel with uneven surface due to frequently developing potholes. Nature trails access: Three partly-signposted trails (two 400m trails + one 1.5km trail), all flat with no significant inclines. Main trail (1.5km long) is an all-access trail. All prone to flooding. after heavy rain. 4 picnic benches, 2 of which have single wheelchair space.
Toilets situated inside the visitor centre.
Barbecue
Barbecue
Dogs are allowed on all footpaths in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Well behaved dogs are welcome within the visitor centre excluding the shop area.
Please keep dogs at heel or on a lead to protect wildlife.
Assistance Dogs welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Save nature while you staycation
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
New to Holidaycottages.co.uk portfolio of handpicked self-catering holiday cottages is the Showcase Collection: Near RSPB Reserves. At these extraordinary homes, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of RSPB reserves and get up close to some of the UK’s most cherished native wildlife.
Contact Lochwinnoch
lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, PA12 4JF 01505 842663