Kilmardinny Loch is one of those local hidden treasures. It's in a very residential area and I would love to live next door. It is a loch with a path right the way around and a play park to the side.
From the car park, facing the loch, we take the path to the right, going anti-clockwise around the path. After a short while, you reach a bench with good duck and swan spotting opportunities. Further along when the path veers to the left, if you keep going straight and round you come to the play park (this isn't obvious so keep your eyes peeled).
The play park has lots of different activities. There is a sandy bit, so you can bring a bucket and spade. There's swings, slides and lots of climbing as well as a fort. For a local park, it's very good.
Returning to the path and going further around there are more ducks and the wooden carvings start.
Keep going and you come across a fox,
an owl
and finally the Gruffalo. This is right before you get back to the car park, so it you want to keep it a surprise or maintain the pretense of a trail, you must take the path to the right of the car park or you'll see it straight away.
It takes about half an hour to walk around, twice is very managable. We tried taking the scooter once but the gravel is not scooter friendly. It would be great on bikes though. There is lots of wildlife to look out for too: butterflies, frogs, dragon flies. It is very popular with dog walkers, so if your child is particularly frightened of dogs, this is not for you.
The loch is a lovely place for a picnic and there are some benches but I would advise taking a blanket (especially if there are lots of you). There is no cafe or kiosk and no toilets.
The car park off Kilmardinny Avenue is small (may be 10 cars) but we've always got it in (we've only been early or when the weather has been driech though).
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