A Trossachs Loch-hopping Adventure: Beyond Loch Lomond
When holidaying in the Trossachs National Park, there’s more to see and to do beyond Loch Lomond. While the bonnie banks are a great choice to see the Scottish countryside and the beauty Scotland is known for – there are plenty more lochs in and around the Trossachs that are also worth visiting.
Today we’ll be exploring the various lochs and areas nearby Cameron House and Loch Lomond that – as a tourist – you should consider a trip to.
Let’s begin with:
Loch Ard
To the East of the great munro Ben Lomond, and not too far West of Aberfoyle is the quaint but gorgeous Loch Ard.
Distance from Loch Lomond: 8 miles from Loch Lomond’s Islands, as the crow flies.
Distance from Cameron House: 24.5 miles, along the A811, A81, A821 and B829 (driving).
Loch Depth: 33 metres maximum depth, 13 metres average depth.
Loch Size: 528 acres, maximum length 2.33 miles (3.75km), maximum width 0.37 miles (0.6km).
Known For: Being considered the source of the River Forth.
Loch Ard is a fantastic place worth seeing for all those who love the Scottish countryside, want somewhere a bit quieter than Loch Lomond, but also don’t want to travel too far North. Its location makes it an ideal day trip idea for the full family from Cameron House, and there’s plenty to see and do:
- On the west bank of the loch is the Loch Ard Sailing Club.
- On the northern banks is the Loch Ard Adventure Centre (ideal for organising kayaking, canoeing, axe-throwing and archery. They also provide bushcraft lessons for the more outdoorsy folk and even stand-up paddleboarding!
- In the nearby town of Aberfoyle, you can visit the Go Ape outdoor centre for some zip wire and climbing fun.
Loch Katrine
Further north into the Trossachs is Loch Katrine, much larger than Loch Ard and a brilliant place to go for a day trip.
Distance from Loch Lomond: 11.5 miles from Loch Lomond’s Islands, as the crow flies.
Distance from Cameron House: 35 miles, along the A811, A81, A821 and B829 (driving).
Loch Depth: Approximately 150 metres at its deepest.
Loch Size: 3,064 acres, maximum length 8 miles (13km), maximum width 1 mile (1.3km).
Known For: Being the inspiration for the famous 19th-century poem, The Lady of the Lake, by Sir Walter Scott.
While Loch Katrine is a bit further afield, it is much bigger and has a greater variety of viewpoints and nature walks to go on. Why not try:
- Hiking Ben A’an; a short hike near Callander that is only around 3-4 miles from Loch Katrine.
- Go for a boat trip on The Steamship Sir Walter Scoot. This will give you great views from the waters of Loch Katrine and teach you more about the history and its ties to Sir Walter Scott.
- Enjoy some fishing (with the right permits) in and around the loch.
Loch Achray
To the east of Loch Katrine lies another breathtaking loch hidden away in the Trossachs; Loch Archray. This loch is a bit smaller than others on the list, meaning you’ll be able to see more of it in an organised day trip.
Distance from Loch Lomond: 12 miles from Loch Lomond’s Islands, as the crow flies.
Distance from Cameron House: 25 miles, along the A811, A81, and A821 (driving).
Loch Depth: Approximately 11 metres on average.
Loch Size: 200 acres, maximum length 1.5 miles (2.4km).
Known For: Being very popular with anglers due to the brown trout population that calls the Loch home.
Loch Archray is a splendid choice for those who love to delve into the history of the areas they visit. As mentioned by Sir Walter Scott in A Legend of Montrose, the area is historically significant to the Stewart family and clan (particularly the Stewarts of Balquhidder). Aside from the history, you can enjoy:
- The Three Lochs Forest Drive can be found on the A821 when driving up to the loch from the south.
- Kayaking and canoeing. For those who have a kayak or canoe, Loch Achray is an excellent place for boating. As there are no boat rentals nearby, the loch is relatively quiet and great for exploration.
- Picnicking. Loch Achray has an abundance of quiet spots to enjoy a family picnic.
Loch Earn
One of the furthest lochs from Cameron House and Loch Lomond is Loch Earn. At the very north of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and the Trossachs, this large, scenic loch is the perfect day escape with plenty to do for everyone.
Distance from Loch Lomond: 25 miles from Loch Lomond’s Islands, as the crow flies.
Distance from Cameron House: 46 miles, along the A811, A81, and A84 (driving).
Loch Depth:.Approximately 87 metres at its deepest.
Loch Size: 1937 acres, maximum length 7 miles (11km), maximum width 0.75 miles (1.2 km).
Known For: Being one of the narrower lochs in the Trossachs and having its own ‘tidal system’ due to the Seiche effect.
With a name that is thought to have derived from the Gaels meaning “Loch of Ireland” and Edinample Castle to the loch’s south side – this Loch is steeped in history. You can find Crieff to its east, Lochearnhead village on the western end and plenty to do such as:
- Visit the Strathearn Gallery in Crieff
- See the Devil’s Cauldron waterfall near Comrie
- Hike Ben Vorlich, a nearby Munro.
- Go sailing, boating, or hunting (with the correct licences)
Explore The Trossachs With Cameron House
Nothing beats seeing all these wonderful lochs than seeing them and having a place of luxury to rest at after a long day’s exploring. With Cameron House, you can enjoy everything the area has to offer in style – with a sterling level of customer service.
Book your room and begin exploring The Trossachs your way!