Kinlochard is a small community at the end of Loch Ard, in the heart of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The freshwater loch is about 2.5 miles long and one mile wide. There are paths of different kinds to choose from in the surrounding area: viewpoints, unusual sculptures in the woodland and a small loch rich in wildlife each offer something different. There are also activities on the water, and people have been fishing in these waters for centuries. When planning your outing, you can therefore choose according to the time available and your interest in woodland, views, the loch or wildlife watching.
Walking trails by time and interest
The Forth Valley Viewpoint Trail is 2 miles (3.4 km) long and takes about an hour. The Loch Àrd Sculpture Trail is longer, at 4¼ miles (6.7 km) and around 2½ hours; it includes unusual sculptures in the woodland. You can choose according to how much time you have, and consider whether the sculptures would make the trail particularly interesting for you.
The Eight Mile Loop is 8½ miles (13.8 km) long and is suitable for walking and cycling. It follows the shore of Loch Ard before climbing to viewpoints overlooking Ben Venue and Ben Lomond. The scenic Lochan Spling Trail is 2½ miles (4.2 km) long, is also suitable for walking or cycling, and leads to a small loch rich in wildlife. The trails therefore differ in more than just length: the Eight Mile Loop includes a route along the shore and mountain views, while the Lochan Spling Trail leads to a small loch.
Water sports, fishing and wildlife watching
Loch Ard’s sheltered setting is suitable for kayaking and open-water swimming. Loch Ard Adventure offers group bookings for stand-up paddleboarding on Loch Ard. There is also a sailing club on the loch, affiliated with the RYA. On land, the woodland paths around Loch Ard are suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding.
Fishing on Loch Ard has a long history: people have fished in these waters for centuries. They offer good conditions for fly fishing for brown trout; pike and perch are also widely fished. Around the loch, keep an eye out for deer, squirrels, capercaillies and woodland birds. The choice between water and woodland activities can therefore also reflect different interests in wildlife and fishing.
History and getting here
Robert Dick was a Victorian tourism pioneer associated with Loch Ard. The loch is also considered to be the source of the River Forth. These connections add a historical and geographical perspective to the area’s present-day opportunities on the trails and water.
The C61 service stops in Kinlochard and runs via Callander, Thornhill, Port of Menteith and Aberfoyle. If you plan to use this connection to get here, check the service details before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Callander, Stronachlachar, Bridge Of Allan, Aberfoyle, Strathyre, Kippen, Dunblane, Stirling
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