Access rights apply to Loch Leven, but due to the importance of the nature conservation value of the loch special arrangements are in place to provide protection to the birds on the loch.
Access by canoes is allowed for the 5 months from April 1st to August 31st, & should be taken from Kirkgate Park near Kinross. It is requested that you don't access the loch from Burleigh Sands.
When paddling on the loch in the summer months please be aware of birds on the water, or on the islands, and keep a good distance away so as not to disturb them.
The birdlife on Loch Leven is sensitive at all times of year, so please treat it as a very special place. However the least sensitive month of the year is August, so those wishing to visit the loch might wish to take this into consideration.
The seven months from September to March are considered too sensitive for responsible access to take place on the loch, however those wishing to use the area of flat water just off Kirkgate Park can do so if they proceed cautiously, stay in the sheltered area near the Park and avoid getting close to any birds.
For further information the SNH Reserve Manager at Loch Leven can be contacted on 01577 864 439.
River Eden
The River Eden in Fife is a small river with some interest, especially for the open boater. It is described on page 176 of the SCA guidebook Scottish Canoe Touring. This web-based guidance is intended to supplement the information in the guidebook.
Launching in the park in Cupar is difficult because of constant railings and high vertical sides to the man made river bank. A better launching spot in Cupar is downstream of the park section just below the bridge on the Pitscottie Road, on river left.
The guidebook warns of fallen trees and at the time of writing in summer 2008 there are 2 or 3 trees in the river between Cupar & Guardbridge.
The guidebook says that the estuary is a nature reserve and that a permit is required for paddling on it. The estuary between Guardbridge and the North Sea is an important area for various species of birds (mainly wintering wildfowl and ducks) and common seals. To obtain a permit please phone the reserve ranger (who is a paddler) on 07985 707 593. The permit isn't a physical piece of paper, so the ranger doesn't need to send you anything, but he does by law have to record your intention to take access onto the reserve.
By speaking with him he will also be able to provide you with any relevant information about wildlife at the given time of year & advise you on places to avoid.
The nature conservation interest is at its highest during the winter months, so if you want to paddle the Eden Estuary it would be better done in summer. Also, it is important to avoid the main channel at low tide as this is where most disturbance to wildlife would take place, plus there is some very dangerous quicksand. If you do go into the estuary it is advisable to go on a rising tide or around high tide.