Loch Venachar Walk

Route Description for Loch Venachar Walk

To start the Loch Venachar walk from the car park, go back out to the main road. Turn right and follow the road for around 100 m.

Next, you’ll turn left onto a signposted footpath leading directly uphill. Follow the footpath for just under a 1.0 km before coming to a T-junction, turning right, and crossing the hillside.

Follow this path, signposted by a ‘T’ and oak tree symbol, as it steadily climbs and traces the north shore of Loch Venachar. Follow the signs across the hillside towards the east end of Loch Venachar.

5.5 km along—after passing a large boulder and a track heading off to the left to the fort of Dun More - you will come to a junction. Turn left at the junction and follow signs towards ‘Invertrossachs’, leaving the ‘T’ route.

After 100 m you’ll meet the main road. Cross the road and follow the lane towards ‘Invertrossachs’. From there you’ll cross the small stone bridge and—upon meeting the T-junction in the road—turn right. Again, you’ll be following signs to ‘Invertrossachs’ and ‘Cycle Route 7 to Aberfoyle’. This lane now runs you down to the south shore of Loch Venachar.

As you continue along this lane, you’ll pass two small car parks, a sailing club, and a scout hut. Follow ‘Cycle Route 7’ signs. After 5.0 km, at a fork in the road, turn right. You’ll go through the metal gate again, following signs for ‘Cycle Route 7’.

Follow this path as it winds along the south shore for a further 3.0 km, at which point a forest road joins from the left-hand side. Continue ahead and follow the signs for ‘Loch Katrine 4’. Ignore the track from the left. Then, a further 400 m along, keep right at the next junction, following signs for ‘Three Lochs Forest Drive’.

1km further along, after crossing a concrete bridge and a cattle grid, turn right at the junction at Achray Farm. Pass through the gate, past the farm buildings and over a stone bridge, to arrive at the Byre Inn. From here, you’ll walk towards the main road, turn right onto it, and follow it for 600 m.

Now, you can either continue following the main road all the way back to the car park or, shortly after the pavement ends and just beyond a driveway, you can take the way-marked footpath off to the right. From here take the first path off to the right through a wooden gateway. After 1km, this path leads you back to the car park and your starting point.

Walking Route Highlights

Loch Venachar

Loch Venachar is a large freshwater lake in Stirling, set in some of the loveliest scenery in the Trossachs. This 3.7 mile-long loch lies between the town of Callender and the village of Brig o’Turk, and is surrounded by beautiful forests, walking trails, cycle routes, and plenty of excellent fishing spots. The beautiful Venachar Lochside restaurant sits on the north shore, and is a wonderful place for tea, cake, lunch or a slap-up dinner with a marvellous view over the lake.

Keep your eyes open for Portnellan Island, a small Iron Age crannog (an ancient artificial island), which attests to the long history of occupation of this important region. Indeed, the lake is a historic point of interest, and was once visited by Queen Victoria herself, who stayed at the historic Invertrossachs House on the south shore of the loch. However, today it’s mainly known as a site for recreation and pleasure.

Loch Venachar is a popular spot for watersports, and in summer you’re likely to find plenty of visitors swimming, canoeing, kayaking, or sailing out on the water. The waters of the lake are well stocked with pike and brown trout, so it’s an excellent place for fishing, either from the shore or by boat.

Check out more amazing walks in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, like the Ben A'an, Ben Venue, or Ben Lomond.

Insider Hints for Loch Venachar Walk

• Venachar Lochside café/restaurant is a breathtaking spot for tea, cake, lunch or dinner- right on the loch side, it is amazing!
• Detour off towards Dunmore fort for a spot of lunch and delightful views.
• Have a celebratory pit stop at Byre Inn - you are almost home!
• For a shorter-distance version, you can organize transport from the far end of Loch Venachar, turning this loop trail into a one-way.