Loch Venachar running loop
Length
24.5 Kms
Elevation gain
501.8 m
Max elevation
260 m
Difficulty
***
Rating
***
Type
Loop
Route id
502
Main road
0.5 Kms
Country road
7.7 Kms
Dirt road
1.5 Kms
Dirt path
0 Kms
Trail
14.8 Kms
0
Route summary
The Loch Venachar running loop route is a trail and road run within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. The loop covers a distance of 24.47 Kms ( 15.2 miles )
and has an elevation gain of 502 m ( 1646 feet )
.
Description
Out of the car park and across the old bridge then taking a right and along the country road towards Invertrossachs. Not much traffic on this road but best to avoid headphones. Trees are on either side for most of this first part before the views open up as you arrive at Loch Venachar at around
4 Kms
. The route continues on the road past the sailing club, Ripples centre and scout hall before heading off on the route 7 cycle track to the right. This at about 8 Kms
.
You are now on undulating trail which runs mainly along the banks of the loch with the forest on your left. This can be a really lovely part of the run. The trail joins part of the main 3 lochs forest road onto which you head forward.
You stay on the forest road as it bends round to the right and soon you are out in the open. You do head off on the road to the right before getting to Loch Achray. This is beside a small dwelling with signs pointing towards Big O'Turk. The forest road becomes a road then you are on the pavement for a short while on the main road. The path takes over as the pavement ends but it is hard to see from a distance so you have to go right to the end of the pavement. The path now runs along parallel to the road, before a crossing onto the other side after a short length.
Once across the road some short ups and downs get you to the visitor centre along the path before the route starts a short tough climb to overlook Loch Venachar and lochs Drunkie and Achray in the distance. This starts off in trees but they soon thin giving you some great views. You are out in the open until approaching
17 Kms
, Kilmahog, and a cross over the road.
Once across the A821 you are on the old railway track which is now tarred all the way back to Callander. This path takes you straight back to the car park. This route is also shown in route 503 with a start at the tourist information centre at Brig O'Turk.
Route directions
Kms
1
Take the eastern exit towards the bridge.
0
2
turn right and over the bridge
0.2
3
Take the road to the right.
0.6
4
Follow the road forking to the right.
1
5
Keep on this small road. Traffic is usually light.
2.1
6
Keep straight on past the bridge on your left.
2.7
7
Small road and first sighting of Loch Venachar
3.2
8
Summer swim spot if you fancy it !
3.9
9
Keep on the small loch side road
4.7
10
Turn to right on the trail marked cycle route 7.
7.7
11
Keep on the trail. Picture location
9.3
12
Join the dirt road.
9.7
13
Road turns to the right over small bridge
11.3
14
Follow the small Trossachs Way sign to the right towards the cottage.
12.2
15
Turn right and follow the pavement all the way to the end,
12.7
16
The pavement ends, but the trail path takes over just to the right of the road.
13.2
17
Cross the main road, but be careful.
13.5
18
Follow the Trossachs Way sign to the right
14.8
19
Keep on Trossachs way
16.7
20
Take main car park exit and carefully cross the main road and follow the trail.
22
Main car park
Although there are lots of spaces this car park can get busy during weekends in summer.
Main car park
Parking charges apply in this car park.
Main car park
Nice path along side the river. Bring something to feed the ducks after your run - not bread.
Take the Invertrossachs road
Straight ahead following cycle route 7
First sight of the loch
Once out of the trees along side the road, you get your first glimpse of the loach ahead.
Loch Venachar
Picture taken from beside the first picnic spot.
Road along the loch
The first part of the route along the loch is a single tarred route. Traffic is very light.
Turning point
The second part along the loch takes you onto a trail path.
Great picture opertunity
Great picture opertunity
Image from Loch Venachar loop
Great picture opertunity
Image from Loch Venachar loop
Towards the main dirt road
View down the glen
Small bridge
Onto pavement on the main road
Only for a short section
Crossing for main road
Dragon flies
Group N pictures
Tourist information
The path is just after this building on the left
Group P pictures
Group P pictures
Image from Loch Venachar loop
Group P pictures
Image from Loch Venachar loop
Back towards Ben Venue
Loch in the distance
First sight of Loch Drunkie
Lochs Venachar and Drunkie
Lochs Venachar and Drunkie
Image from Loch Venachar loop
Trail
Follow the signs
Old bridge
You take the small short path on the left onto the old railway
Old railway bridge
Old railway bridge
Image from Loch Venachar loop
Railway path
Bridge over the river
The river
The river
Image from Loch Venachar loop
Car park
