Grid Ref – NS067640
How to get there
- The Greenan Loch is about 2 miles from Rothesay. From the pier walk (or drive) south on High Street, passing the castle on your right, and then turning 2nd right (south west) into Russell Street.
- Follow Russell St. out of Rothesay. About 1 mile after leaving the built up area and after a sharp left hand bend in the road the Greenan Loch is viewed below the road on the right hand side. Park with great care on the right hand side of the road or park on the Eskechraggan farm track to the north of the loch. The loch is easily viewed from the road or the farm track .
The birds are easily disturbed so, if there is a need to get closer to the water, field craft skills are necessary.
Habitat
Greenan Loch is a fresh water loch surrounded by farmland. during summer there are extensive lily beds over much of the loch.
Birds of interest
Greenan Loch is an important wintering area for wildfowl including Whooper Swan, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Teal, Mallard and occasionally Pochard, Gadwall, Pintail, Scaup and Garganey (2014). Mute Swan, Moorhen and Little Grebe are resident, and Goosander is occasionally present, sometimes numbering into double figures. The muddy shore can host Little Egret, more recently Great Egret , and occasionally waders. The surrounding fields host Geese including Greylag, Canada and less frequently Barnacles. Hen Harrier are known to visit in search of a meal. The gorse around the margins hosts a variety of passerines.