Top 20 Lakes around Callander

The lakes around Callander, often called the 'Gateway to the Highlands,' offer a diverse natural landscape within the Trossachs region. Visitors appreciate the stunning scenery, opportunities for various outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and water sports, and the serene environment. The komoot community has shared over 30 photos and given more than 40 upvotes for the area's highlights.

Many lakes offer excellent opportunities for water activities. For example, Loch Katrine is popular for fly and boat fishing for trout, and pike. Loch Lubnaig is known for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, open water, and wild swimming, as well as fishing. Loch Venachar is also great for canoeing, kayaking, and wild swimming, with a sailing club offering courses. Loch Achray's quiet waters are suitable for canoeing or kayaking and fishing for brown trout, sea trout, pike, and salmon.

Yes, there are several scenic cycling routes. The National Cycle Network's Route 7 runs along the west shore of Loch Lubnaig, offering a 9-mile ride. At Loch Katrine, the road along the north side is private and ideal for peaceful cycling, with bike hire available at Trossachs Pier. You can find more cycling options in the Cycling around Callander guide, including routes like the 'Loch Lubnaig loop from Callander'.

The area boasts numerous hiking opportunities. Loch Venachar's south shore has an extensive network of cycling and walking trails. Loch Achray is a gateway to Ben A'an, a popular hill offering breathtaking views over Loch Katrine and Loch Achray. You can explore various options in the Mountain Hikes around Callander guide, which includes routes like 'View from Ben A'an loop from Loch Achray'.

Loch Katrine is renowned for its dramatic scenery and historical connections, famously being the fictional setting for Sir Walter Scott's poem 'The Lady of the Lake'. Visitors can take a cruise on the historic steamship SS Sir Walter Scott, which has operated on the loch since 1900, sailing from Trossachs Pier.

Loch Venachar is excellent for walking and hiking, with trails extending towards the nearby Lake of Menteith. It's also a sought-after destination for anglers. The loch is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and wild swimming. Historically, Invertrossachs House, visited by Queen Victoria in 1869, is located on its south shore, and an Iron Age crannog, Portnellan island, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument within the loch.

Loch Achray is a tranquil and wonderfully scenic spot, especially on calm mornings when surrounding mountains like Ben A'an and Ben Venue are reflected in its glassy surface. It's ideal for walking, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors, serving as a gateway to Ben A'an, which offers stunning views. Wildlife such as red deer, otters, and various bird species are abundant in the surrounding Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

The Lake of Menteith is unique as it is Scotland's only *lake*, not a loch, due to a cartographical error. It is home to several small islands, including Inchmahome, which houses a 13th-century priory with historical significance, having been visited by Robert the Bruce and serving as a refuge for Mary Queen of Scots. It's also renowned for trout fishing and osprey sightings.

Yes, many lakes offer family-friendly options. Loch Katrine and Loch Achray are highlighted as family-friendly. Activities like gentle walks, cycling on traffic-free paths (e.g., Loch Katrine's north shore), picnicking, and easy water sports like canoeing or paddleboarding are suitable for families. Trossachs Pier at Loch Katrine offers facilities like bike rental and boat trips, making it a convenient family base.

The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring and autumn provide vibrant colours and pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling. Summer is ideal for water activities. However, the region research notes that Loch Achray is especially scenic on calm winter mornings when mountains are reflected in its glassy surface. Fishing seasons vary, with trout fishing typically from spring to autumn.

Yes, facilities are available at several locations. At Loch Lubnaig, you'll find car parks, picnic sites, and The Cabin, which offers food and drinks. Trossachs Pier at Loch Katrine provides parking, bike rental, toilets, souvenirs, and a cafe. It's advisable to check specific locations for current availability and opening times.

The Trossachs National Park is rich in wildlife. Around Loch Achray, you might spot red deer, otters, and various bird species. Loch Rusky has become known for a pair of ospreys that nest beside the loch and can often be seen diving for trout. Osprey sightings are also possible at the Lake of Menteith.