Birnie and Gaddon Lochs, nestled near Collessie, have a fascinating history! They were excavated in the 1980s and 1990s for sand and gravel, but since then, they’ve been lovingly transformed into a beautiful haven for a wide variety of bird and plant species.
You can explore the two lochs via connected paths that feature plenty of cozy resting spots along the way. In 2025, the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust added new bridges to make the walks even more enjoyable. The picnic area by the main car park boasts fantastic views of Birnie Loch, making it a perfect spot to begin our walk. Plus, there are two bird hides available, one at each loch, so you can photograph the beautiful wildlife up close.
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Birnie & Gaddon Lochs Car Park is located at 7UT, B937, Cupar, United Kingdom
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Parking Charge Daytime: Under 2 hours free/All day parking £2 (payment via honesty box)
The path around the lochs is designed to be accessible for everyone. A walk around both lochs—including the lovely path in between—is about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) with only a little bit of climbing. If you're looking for a shorter walk, you can easily walk around just one of the lochs — Birnie Loch is a cozy 0.75 miles or Gaddon Loch is about 1 mile.
Just keep in mind that there are a few paths leading down to the lochs that can be a bit uneven and rocky, so wearing proper walking shoes is recommended.