The best walks and hikes around Loch Achray

Yes, there are several excellent circular routes. For a moderately challenging option with great scenery, the View of Loch Achray – View of Loch Katrine loop is a fantastic choice. It combines forest paths with viewpoints over two of the region's most famous lochs.

Parking is available but can be limited, especially on weekends and during peak season. For Ben A'an, there is a dedicated pay-and-display car park. The car park for Ben Venue is located at the head of Loch Achray. It's highly recommended to arrive early to secure a space for these popular hikes.

Ben A'an is often called a 'mountain in miniature' because it offers spectacular summit views for a relatively short, though very steep, effort. The Ben A'an from Loch Achray trail is about 2.5 miles (4 km). In contrast, the Ben Venue – Southern Highlands route is a much longer and more demanding day out at around 8.5 miles (13.7 km), involving a significant climb over rugged terrain to its 727-meter summit.

Definitely. The region has many gentler trails suitable for families. A great option is the Achray Water Footbridge – Creag Noran Viewpoint loop from Strathyre. It's a pleasant 3.1-mile (5 km) walk through the forest and along the river, with minimal elevation gain.

Yes, the area is generally very dog-friendly. The forest trails and lochside paths are great for walking with dogs. However, when on higher ground or near farmland, it's important to keep your dog under control, especially during lambing season (typically spring) and around wildlife like deer.

You'll find a wide variety of options, with over 170 hiking routes mapped in the area. These range from 70 easy walks perfect for a gentle stroll to over 20 difficult trails for experienced hillwalkers seeking a challenge.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with thousands of visitors sharing their experiences. The trails have an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views from the hilltops and the beautiful mix of lochside and forest scenery.

Reaching the main trailheads around Loch Achray by public transport can be challenging as services are infrequent and may not go directly to the car parks. The main nearby town is Callander, which has bus connections. From there, you might need a taxi or a long walk to reach the start of your hike. Driving is the most common way to access the area.

While the main hikes focus on loch and mountain views, you can find waterfalls in the wider Trossachs area. A short drive away is Bracklinn Falls near Callander, which has its own car park and a well-maintained trail leading to a bridge over a dramatic gorge and waterfall.

The diverse habitats of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park support a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for red deer on the hillsides, especially during quieter times of the day. Otters can sometimes be spotted by the loch, and the area is home to numerous bird species, including birds of prey.

The climb up Ben Venue is strenuous, but the reward is one of the best panoramic views in the Trossachs. From the summit, you get a stunning perspective looking down over Loch Achray, Loch Katrine, and Loch Venachar, with the surrounding rugged Highland landscape stretching out in all directions.