Circular Tour of Loch Leven -12miles

Surface- Main roads, fine gravel path round Loch Leven
Difficulty-Minor inclines into Kinross (if beginner suggest you target road first) then a nice stretch around the Loch which is mainly flat.
Recommended bike-  Hybrid, Tourer, MTB (I used a mountain bike) (Road bike would not cope well with gravel path but can still go around Loch Leven on roads approx 13 miles, road condition occasional pothole)
Time we completed route (beginners) -1hr 20 mins
Signposted Route: No but its circular ie follow round Loch so you can't go wrong!
Worth taking a camera?Yes some lovely shots of the distant hills and plenty wildlife at Loch Leven.
Weather on day we completed route: Overcast, sunny with a very slight breeze on the road section

We parked the car at Vane Farm car park and then set off left along the main road to Kinross. A few little climbs here on the road but nice and wide for you and cars. That's if people give you room! When you get to the end of the road turn right where you will pass through Gairneybank and then into Kinross.

When in Kinross head down the High street there is a sign showing you down to Loch leven just near the bend. You  need to cross ove the other lane of traffic down to Kirkgate. Once on Kirkgate you will see a small walled road on the left head down here and you will find a kids play park, picnic area and views over the Loch. Head towards the castle on the Loch.  Below is a link with info about this castle and its famous history.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Leven_Castle

You will get to the end of the car park and then you turn left continuing around the loch (you are now off road until you get back to your car). There is a bird hide not far along on the route (on right) and well worth a look if not for the views that it gives you. There is abundant wildlife when we were there saw roe deer and a hare amongst all the bird life. The route takes you through wooded areas, past a golf course on the left, continue right and head over a wooden bridge and then onto Burleigh Sands area of Loch leven. Great place for sunset photos at certain times of year (Oct-Nov). Continue along the path which then turns right and taking you through another wooded area. This side gives you more open space to see onto the Loch and is very scenic.

Further down the path you can detour (signposted and a turn left) if you wish for a coffee or a well deserved bite to eat up at Loch Leven's Larder (they also sell fresh produce within their farm shop) with superb views over the Loch. Meanwhile for those who continue the area surrounding the path is now marshland. This continues for a small stretch and there are a couple of gates to negotiate through here too. You then head through a more wooded area with plenty bends and twists, just watch out for people on foot. The rest of the journey is mainly now in woods till you exit out onto another bridge.

When you come off this bridge turn right and continue up the farm road and go straight on passing the house with the water mill underneath. There is another great view from this side and a bench if you want a late picnic here though there was plenty midges the day we went! Make sure you have insect repellant on!! There is now a short sharp climb up to Vane Farm continue along the path and then it will bring you to a tunnel. Once through the tunnel there is a flight of stairs for you and the bike to climb (you can push it up the side of the steps). Once up the stairs you will now be in the vane farm grounds where your car should be located nearby.

A nice and easy route with plenty to see and is very scenic. The fact its a circular route too is also beneficial  so would give this 8/10.