Top 10 Lakes around Dunoon

For walking, Loch Thom offers a popular fishing venue and walking area. The Greenock Cut provides a decent quality circular route with slight undulations. Loch Eck features a challenging cycle path and walking trails like the Loch Eck Loop and those in Glenbranter Forest. Loch Long is surrounded by the Arrochar Alps, offering numerous hiking trails in areas like Ardentinny Forest. Loch Loskin also provides beautiful sylvan walks.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Loch Thom and the Greenock Cut are both noted as family-friendly. Loch Eck, located within Argyll Forest Park, is great for observing red squirrels and offers boating and kayaking. Holy Loch has picturesque beaches and forest trails suitable for families, and is close to Benmore Botanic Garden and Puck's Glen.

Loch Fyne is popular for sailing, kayaking, and diving. Loch Eck is excellent for boating and kayaking. Loch Long's calm waters are ideal for sea kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding. Holy Loch also provides excellent facilities for boating and watersports from its marina.

Loch Fyne boasts historic sites like Inveraray Castle, the ruins of Old Castle Lachlan, and Tarbert Castle. Loch Long has a rich history, having been used for torpedo testing. Holy Loch has historical significance with evidence of a 6th or 7th-century church and was a former US Navy base. Loch Striven is historically significant for its role in WWII, used for training X-Craft midget submarine crews and testing 'bouncing bombs'.

Loch Fyne offers opportunities to spot seals, otters, and various bird species. Loch Eck is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a habitat for the rare powan fish, and is an excellent spot for observing red squirrels. Around Loch Long, visitors may spot gannets, eider ducks, cormorants, oyster catchers, grey seals, and occasionally porpoises and dolphins, with golden eagles and buzzards overhead.

Loch Eck is often a peaceful area and less crowded than some other spots. Loch Striven is characterized by remote and tranquil scenery, often described as a 'hidden gem' with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, offering a secluded experience.

Yes, fishing is popular in several lochs. Loch Thom is a popular fishing venue. Loch Eck's waters hold salmon, sea trout, brown trout, and arctic char, and permits are available. Loch Long is popular for fishing sea trout, mackerel, and cod. Loch Loskin is stocked with brown trout by the Dunoon and District Angling Club. Permits are generally required for freshwater fishing.

Loch Fyne is known for its stunning natural beauty, rugged mountains, and picturesque shorelines. Loch Long offers a dramatic, fjord-like appearance with rugged, steep hills and dense woodlands, providing panoramic views. The Loch Striven and Loch Tarsan Scenic Route offers great views of both lochs. Glenstriven Road Along Loch Striven also provides lovely views of the water.

Yes, the Greenock Cut offers a decent quality circular route. Loch Eck has the Loch Eck Loop, and there are various walking trails in Glenbranter Forest. You can also find numerous hiking routes around Dunoon, including moderate options like the Strone Trig Point loop from Kilmun, which can be explored further on the Hiking around Dunoon guide.

Loch Eck features a challenging cycle path along its eastern shore. The Loch Striven and Loch Tarsan Scenic Route is a cycle way offering views of both lochs. The Glenstriven Road Along Loch Striven is a beautiful single-track road suitable for cycling. For more detailed routes, check the Road Cycling Routes around Dunoon and Gravel biking around Dunoon guides.

Many of the walking trails around the lochs in the Dunoon area are dog-friendly. For example, the walks around Loch Eck and Holy Loch are popular choices for visitors with dogs. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife or livestock.

The lakes around Dunoon are beautiful year-round, but late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and watersports. During these months, the days are longer, and temperatures are milder. However, the dramatic scenery can be enjoyed in all seasons.