Loch Venachar, near Callander
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 6.5 kms | 02:30 (hrs:mins) | 140 metres | Explorer 365: The Trossachs |
Description
Loch Venachar lies close to the pretty village of Callander and to the north of the Menteith Hills. This is a great route for enjoying some of the best scenery in the Trossachs.
By car, leave Callander main street via the A81 (signposted Glasgow) and after around half a kilometre take the minor road heading west off the A81. As you head towards Loch Venachar you pass through Gartchonzie eventually reaching the entrance to Invertrossachs Estate. Follow the 'Car Park 50m' sign to park at East Lodge.
To walk the route, start from this car park, and go through the gate nearby. Follow the forest track steadily uphill heading straight and south west and avoid taking the right turn to the shore and the left turn which eventually leads to a dead end close to Lochan Balloch. There's a good viewpoint looking west north west along Loch Venachar about 1 kilometre along the track from the walk start point.
At a hut located near a small lochan in the forest, the route forks. Take the right fork to head for a short time along the north east part of the lochan. The trail then continues between the hills of Meall nan Gobhar and Creag a' Bhacain via the Bealach nan Carn as the views open out over the mountains and the loch. The route then heads east for a time as it descends steeply back towards the narrow loch-side road (close to Invertrossachs). Head east along the narrow road past West Dullatur and the sailing club to return to the start point at East Lodge.
Access Info
From the main street in Callander, follow the A81 south for 500m then take the minor road on the right. Continue along this road passing through Gartchonzie until you reach East Lodge where there is parking and the walk start nearby.
Additional Info
The walk described here is included by arrangement with Scottish Woodlands Limited who manage Invertrossachs Estate.
More Info
This route is available with accompanying map in the Footprint Guide to 'The Trossachs, Callander & Strathyre' available from Tourist Information Centres and is also available to buy online here.
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