Loch of the Lowes

During the nineteenth century, a drainage channel was dug, connecting Loch of Craiglush with Lowes, causing the water levels of the two lochs to equalise. The Lunan Burn now flows through this channel. The reserve land was purchased by the Scottish Wildlife Trust in 1969, due to the loch being the largest mesotrophic loch in the area, and the presence of the rare pondweed slender naiad.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust operates a visitor centre on the western side of the loch. There are three observation hides offering views over the loch, and are situated close to the osprey nest. The visitor centre is one of four visitor centres operated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the other three being at Montrose Basin, Falls of Clyde and Jupiter Wildlife Centre. The visitor centre and car park are open on a reduced schedule for a third of the year during winter and an entry fee is required for non-SWT members. Opening hours: • 1 March - 31 October: open daily from 10:00-17:00 • 1 November - 28 February: open Friday-Sunday from 10:30-16:00