Top 20 Lakes around Blair Atholl And Struan
Best lakes around Blair Atholl And Struan are found in Highland Perthshire, a region characterized by its natural beauty and diverse freshwater lochs. The area offers a mix of scenic drives, historical sites, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, from expansive lochs with panoramic views to smaller, secluded mountain lochs. This makes the region a destination for those seeking natural exploration and tranquility.
Best lakes around Blair Atholl And Struan
- The most popular lakes is Loch a' Choire, a lake that offers great views and a path around its perimeter. It is a quiet spot to relax, located just below the final summit push up to Ben Vrackie.
- Another must-see spot is View of Loch Tummel from Queen's View, a viewpoint offering extensive views over Loch Tummel. This location provides a panoramic vista along the loch and towards Schiehallion mountain.
- Visitors also love Loch Tummel Scenic Road, a cycle_way that runs along the northern shore of Loch Tummel. It is known for its good surface, limited traffic, and views of the surrounding landscape.
- Blair Atholl And Struan is known for freshwater lochs, upland lochs, and mountain lochs. These include long, narrow lochs, significant freshwater bodies, and smaller, charming mountain lochs, offering varied experiences.
- The lakes around Blair Atholl And Struan are appreciated by the komoot community, with 193 upvotes and 57 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Loch a' Choire
Highlight • Natural
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Loch Tummel Scenic Road
Highlight • Viewpoint
The loch has a road all around it so you can do a full circuit, the southern shore road is smaller and a big rougher but absolutely rideable.
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Loch Rannoch South Shore
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
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Loch Garry
Highlight • Trail
Enjoy the doubletrack gravel road over from Kinloch Rannoch and past Loch Garry.
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Loch Faskally
Highlight • Natural
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Tips from the Community
Great camping, but the Scottish MIDGE need I say more. Scotland's only wild creature
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The loch northside road offers, in places, excellent scenic views over the loch and valley. Don't forget to visit the southside single-lane road for an even more scenic and quiet cycle.
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Can be very windy here as the wind races across the loch. There are a couple of large boulders in the southwest corner to hide behind especially when taking refreshments..
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A scenic destination target with great views over the valley below. Can be very windy; the loch sits in a wind funnel. There are a few large boulders to hide behind for a break. The main hikers' path up is 'improved' and has a fine gravel surface which is excellent but alas includes many sets of boulder steps. Fine when heading down but horrible when heading up.
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There's actually a double track on both sides of the loch; albeit the northwest side track is far better. The only problem is, is that there's no easy or reliable way to get from one side of the loch to the other at the southern end. If the loch is low, the outflow is a narrow, very shallow, stream that can be easily traversed, however, if the loch is not low ...
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Two car parking areas: a proper asphalt one near the Pitlochry Dam visitor centre, and secondly a slightly closer-to-the-water grass 'n' mud one just to the north.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes to visit near Blair Atholl and Struan?
Visitors frequently enjoy Loch a' Choire for its peaceful atmosphere and views, and the iconic View of Loch Tummel from Queen's View, offering panoramic vistas. The Loch Tummel Scenic Road is also highly rated for cycling and scenic drives.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Blair Atholl and Struan area?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly experiences. The View of Loch Tummel from Queen's View is easily accessible with parking and facilities. The north shore of Loch Rannoch, accessible from the Loch Rannoch South Shore, features sandy beaches that are popular with families.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around the lakes?
The lakes offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy cycling along the Loch Tummel Scenic Road or the double-track gravel road near Loch Garry, which is part of National Cycle Network route 7. Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch are popular for fishing, boating, kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding. Hiking is also prevalent, with trails around many lochs, including a path around Loch a' Choire.
Are there good hiking trails near the lakes?
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. Loch a' Choire is a popular stop for hikers on the way to Ben Vrackie. The ancient Black Wood of Rannoch, near Loch Rannoch, offers woodland trails. For more detailed hiking routes, you can explore the Easy hikes around Blair Atholl And Struan guide.
What natural features and wildlife can I expect to see?
The region is rich in natural beauty. Loch Tummel is part of a National Scenic Area, offering panoramic views, especially from Queen's View. Loch Rannoch is known for its wild beauty, surrounded by heather moorlands and Caledonian pine woods, including the ancient Black Wood of Rannoch, home to rare plants, Scottish crossbills, and capercaillie. Loch Garry is ecologically significant, supporting arctic char and other wildlife.
Are there any historical or archaeological sites around the lakes?
Yes, the area around Loch Tummel has historical significance. The northern side of Loch Tummel features numerous archaeological sites, including Iron Age ring forts, abandoned townships, and Pictish fortified villages, offering a glimpse into Scotland's ancient past.
Can I go wild swimming in any of the lakes?
Loch Rannoch is known to provide opportunities for wild swimming, particularly in its unspoiled waters. Always exercise caution and be aware of local conditions and safety guidelines when wild swimming.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Blair Atholl and Struan?
The spring and summer months are particularly popular for visiting the lochs, offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, and camping. During these seasons, the scenery is vibrant, and wildlife is more active. However, the autumn brings spectacular colours to the surrounding woodlands, making it another beautiful time to visit.
Are there cycling routes around the lakes?
Absolutely. The Loch Tummel Scenic Road (B8019) along the northern shore of Loch Tummel is a popular cycling route with good surfaces and amazing views. A full circuit of Loch Tummel is also possible. The south shore of Loch Rannoch also has a gorgeous and quiet road. For more cycling options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Blair Atholl And Struan guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in this region?
Visitors consistently praise the stunning natural beauty and tranquility of the lochs. The panoramic views, especially from Queen's View over Loch Tummel, are a major highlight. Many appreciate the opportunities for quiet relaxation, scenic drives, and diverse outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, and wildlife spotting. The peaceful atmosphere of places like Loch a' Choire is also frequently mentioned.
Is there parking available at the main viewpoints or lakes?
Yes, parking is available at popular spots. For instance, the View of Loch Tummel from Queen's View has dedicated parking facilities. When planning your visit, it's advisable to check specific locations for parking availability, especially during peak seasons.
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