Loch Venachar loop from Lendrick
Length
24.5 Kms
Elevation gain
501.8 m
Max elevation
260 m
Difficulty
***
Rating
***
Type
Loop
Route id
503
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 loop from Lendrick 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
From the visitor centre follow the path towards Callander. 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 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 to Callander. This path takes you straight to the car park.
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
from Callander. 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
from Callander.
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 back to the visitor centre.
This route is also shown in route 502 with a start in Callander.
Route directions
Kms
1
0
2
Follow the Trossachs Way sign to the right
0.6
3
Keep on Trossachs way
2.6
4
Take main car park exit and carefully cross the main road and follow the trail.
7.8
5
Take the eastern exit towards the bridge.
10.3
6
turn right and over the bridge
10.5
7
Take the road to the right.
10.9
8
Follow the road forking to the right.
11.4
9
Keep on this small road. Traffic is usually light.
12.5
10
Keep straight on past the bridge on your left.
13
11
Small road and first sighting of Loch Venachar
13.5
12
Summer swim spot if you fancy it !
14.3
13
Keep on the small loch side road
15.1
14
Turn to right on the trail marked cycle route 7.
18
15
Keep on the trail. Picture location
19.6
16
Join the dirt road.
20.1
17
Road turns to the right over small bridge
21.6
18
Follow the small Trossachs Way sign to the right towards the cottage.
22.6
19
Turn right and follow the pavement all the way to the end,
23.1
20
The pavement ends, but the trail path takes over just to the right of the road.
23.6
21
Cross the main road, but be careful.
23.9
22
24.5
Main car park
Although there are lots of spaces this car park can get busy during weekends in summer.
Main car park
The prices are shown on several signs throughout the car park. Pay machines exist in various locations.
Main car park
The car park is right beside the river. Good for feeding the ducks and sometimes the swans. Make sure of proper food and 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
Towards the main dirt road
View down the glen
View down the glen
11
Small bridge
Onto pavement on the main road
Only for a short section
Crossing for main road
Dragon flies
Going up the hill from visitor center
Longish hill with a reward of great views at the end
Tourist information
The path is just after this building on the left
Further up the hill from the visitor center
Loch Venachar can now be seen
Back towards Ben Venue
Loch in the distance
First sight of Loch Drunkie
Lochs Venachar and Drunkie
Trail
Follow the signs
Old bridge
You take the small short path on the left onto the old railway
Old railway bridge
Railway path
Bridge over the river
The river
River at the car park
