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United Kingdom
Scotland
Fife

Lochgelly

Top 20 Lakes around Lochgelly

Best lakes around Lochgelly are found in Fife, Scotland, a region known for its natural lochs. The town is closely associated with several lochs, including Loch Gelly and Loch Ore, which offer diverse natural landscapes. These bodies of water contribute to the area's character, providing settings for various outdoor activities and nature observation.

Best lakes around Lochgelly

  • The most popular lakes is View of Loch Leven from Benarty Hill, a viewpoint that offers views down over Loch Leven. This…

Last updated: May 4, 2026

Willie Clarke Centre, Lochore Meadows Country Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Good place to start / stop - plenty parking and good facilities. Cafe fare a little limited, but fine. Check opening hours in advance though for cafe - closes at 3pm in winter.

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Loch Leven's Larder

Highlight • Restaurant

Wonderful family, dog and cyclist-friendly deli, cafe and picnic area with easy access to the Heritage trail and loch.

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Benarty Hill at 1,167 feet (356 m) is but a small mound in Scotland, and it is a relatively straight-forward hill walk to get to its trig pointed top, but …

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Loch Ore

Highlight • Lake

Loch Ore is a beautiful wild area managed by Fife Council. The loch and surrounding area are popular for walking and bird watching. It's great for families with some nice short walks, play areas and a beach.

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Loch Leven Beach

Highlight (Segment) • Beach

The largest lowland loch in Scotland, Loch Leven is a stunning place to visit. The glistening waters are hugged by green, rolling hills where birdlife thrives. The loch is situated …

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Popular around Lochgelly

Road Cycling Routes around Lochgelly

MTB Trails around Lochgelly

Running Trails around Lochgelly

Cycling around Lochgelly

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Tips from the Community

Karl 🇬🇧 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
September 7, 2025, Loch Leven Beach

No water access Sep through Mar inclusive. Alas no beach camping.

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Tam
June 17, 2025, Loch Leven's Larder

Pleasant walk along heritage trail and sitting outside at Loch Leven’s Larder with a coffee a nice cake, sets you up for the return journey.

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Benarty Hill at 1,167 feet (356 m) is but a small mound in Scotland, and it is a relatively straight-forward hill walk to get to its trig pointed top, but it is huge in rewards with stunning views down over Loch Leven. The best way up is from the south, where you will have a short, steep climb up through the trees to get to the summit plateau and the trig point. The best way back is simply to retrace your steps. This has simply got to be one of Scotland’s underrated hills.

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Sylwia
May 19, 2024, Loch Ore

Some areas may be flooded but overall easy accessible

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Steev
October 16, 2023, Loch Ore

Lovely big loop to get some running in away from the roads. It can get really muddy in sections, generally in the South West. Lots of dog walkers and occasional cows!

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51m
March 14, 2023, Loch Ore

Loch Ore is a beautiful wild area managed by Fife Council. The loch and surrounding area are popular for running, walking, cycling and bird watching. The running around the loch is a really nice loop and it's also great for families.

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51m
March 3, 2023, Loch Ore

Loch Ore is a beautiful wild area managed by Fife Council. The loch and surrounding area are popular for walking and bird watching. It's great for families with some nice short walks, play areas and a beach.

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The Tour starts here: https://goo.gl/maps/cQnMArHGLhh4oY366 ----------------- Car parking: https://goo.gl/maps/mhTNFxUdfiLA74xq9 ---------------- Traveline Scotland transport planner: https://www.travelinescotland.com/lts/#/travelInfo To travel To/From this Tour by bus, enter Bus Stop Name or Bus stop ID in TravelineScotland, Journey Planner, entry points:- 1) Bus Stop Name: Lochore Meadows Bus Stop ID: 34327546 Bus Stop Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6TrjLt9t4YtwhpL38 2) Bus Stop Name: Catherine Terrace Bus Stop ID: 34327564 Bus Stop Location: https://goo.gl/maps/o2T7GqkbaY3hkMWQ8 ------------------ The nearest railway station is 1.5ml from start of this Tour: https://goo.gl/maps/GS21yTaR1k84jAx18

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of outdoor activities can I do around the lakes near Lochgelly?

The lakes around Lochgelly offer a variety of outdoor activities. At Loch Ore within Lochore Meadows Country Park, you can enjoy watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and open water swimming. The park is also popular for walking, cycling, fishing, and golf. For more structured routes, you can find various MTB Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Gravel Biking options in the wider area.

Are there family-friendly options among the lakes near Lochgelly?

Yes, Loch Ore in Lochore Meadows Country Park is highly recommended for families. It features short walks, play areas, and a beach, making it ideal for family outings. The park also has wheelchair and pushchair accessible routes.

Where can I find accessible paths for walking or cycling around the lakes?

Lochore Meadows Country Park, centered around Loch Ore, provides excellent accessibility. The park boasts wheelchair and pushchair accessible routes through its woodlands and around the loch, as well as dedicated cycle paths.

What wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes in the Lochgelly area?

The lakes are rich in birdlife. Loch Gelly is noted for its birdlife, and Loch Ore is popular for bird watching. Loch Leven Beach is part of the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, which is one of Europe's most important bird habitats, making it a prime spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Are there good places to eat or get refreshments near the lakes?

Yes, at Lochore Meadows Country Park, the Willie Clarke Centre offers facilities and a cafe. Near Loch Leven, Loch Leven's Larder is an award-winning family-run farm, restaurant, deli, and retail shop that is family, dog, and cyclist-friendly, with easy access to the Heritage trail and loch.

What are the best lakes for walking or hiking near Lochgelly?

Loch Ore in Lochore Meadows Country Park offers a variety of walks, from short family-friendly strolls to longer loops. The area around Loch Leven also provides scenic walking opportunities, particularly within the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve. For a rewarding hike with stunning views, consider the walk up Benarty Hill to the View of Loch Leven from Benarty Hill.

Can I go cycling around the lakes near Lochgelly?

Absolutely. Lochore Meadows Country Park, surrounding Loch Ore, has dedicated cycle paths suitable for various skill levels. The wider region offers numerous cycling opportunities, including MTB Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Gravel Biking routes.

What historical significance do the lakes around Lochgelly hold?

Loch Gelly, from which the town of Lochgelly takes its name, had a fort built on its south side in May 1583, highlighting its past importance. While not directly on the lochs, the area around Loch Leven is known for the historic Loch Leven Castle, which rises from Castle Island in the middle of the loch.

Is there parking available at the lakes?

Yes, at Lochore Meadows Country Park, the Willie Clarke Centre provides ample parking, making it a convenient starting point for exploring Loch Ore and its surrounding trails.

What makes Loch Leven a significant natural attraction near Lochgelly?

Loch Leven is the largest lowland loch in Scotland and is situated within the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, recognized as one of Europe's most important bird habitats. Its glistening waters and surrounding green hills offer stunning natural beauty and tranquility, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. You can also visit Loch Leven Beach for a beautiful spot on its shore.

Can I go wild swimming in the lakes near Lochgelly?

Open water swimming is a popular activity at Loch Ore, located within Lochore Meadows Country Park. This is one of the designated spots for watersports in the area.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes around Lochgelly?

Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered by the lakes. Loch Ore is loved for its beautiful wild area, managed by Fife Council, and its suitability for walking, running, cycling, and bird watching, especially for families. The scenic views, like those from Benarty Hill overlooking Loch Leven, are also highly valued by the komoot community.

When is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Lochgelly?

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for watersports, walking, and cycling, with abundant birdlife. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the surrounding woodlands. Even in winter, the areas around the lochs can be suitable for walks, though it's advisable to check cafe opening hours at places like the Willie Clarke Centre as they may close earlier.

Are there specific viewpoints offering scenic vistas of the lakes?

Yes, one of the most popular viewpoints is the View of Loch Leven from Benarty Hill. This spot offers stunning panoramic views down over Loch Leven, the largest lowland loch in Scotland. Loch Ore also has various points around its perimeter that offer pleasant views of the loch and surrounding parkland.

Are dogs allowed on walks around the Lochgelly lochs?

Many of the walking areas around the lochs, particularly in Lochore Meadows Country Park, are dog-friendly. For example, Loch Leven's Larder is noted as being dog-friendly, indicating a welcoming attitude towards dogs in the wider area. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife or livestock.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Lochgelly? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

Saline And SteelendKinglassieBenartyCardendenKeltyCowdenbeathTownhill DunfermlineLumphinnansAberdourLeslieKingseatGlenwood GlenrothesHill Of BeathCrossgates And MossgreenRoyal Burgh Of KinghornKirkcaldy WestAuchtertoolRoyal Burgh Of Falkland And Newton Of FalklandAuchtermuchty And StrathmigloHalbeath And DulochDalgety Bay & HillendWellwood DunfermlineBellyeoman DunfermlineTemplehallThorntonSouth DunfermlineBurntislandCentral DunfermlineHeadwell DunfermlineAbbeyview DunfermlineMilesmark And Baldridge DunfermlineTouch And Garvock DunfermlineIzatt Avenue Area And Netherton DunfermlineCharlestown Limekilns And PattiesmuirBlairhallOakley And ComrieCrossfordRosythInverkeithingNorth QueensferryLomond Hills Regional ParkCairneyhillCarnock And GowkhallCulrossKirkcaldy NorthSouth Parks And Rimbleton GlenrothesBalmerino, Gauldry, Logie And KilmanyTayport Ferryport-On-CraigKincardineHigh ValleyfieldCrombieLoch OrePitteuchar Finglassie And Stenton GlenrothesNorth GlenrothesNewport Wormit And ForganTorryburn And NewmillsLow Valleyfield

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Things to Do around Loch Gelly

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