Top 20 Lakes in Perth and Kinross
Best lakes in Perth and Kinross are a prominent feature of this Scottish region, offering a diverse range of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The area is characterized by its numerous lochs, from vast freshwater bodies nestled among dramatic Highland peaks to smaller, serene mountain lochs. These natural landscapes provide habitats for diverse wildlife and hold historical significance, with evidence of ancient settlements. Perth and Kinross offers a variety of outdoor activities centered around its lochs, including hiking, cycling, and…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Stùc a' Chroin summit
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Loch a' Choire
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South Loch Tay Road
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Mill Dam Lochan
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Loch Earn
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Loch of the Lowes
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Loch Leven's Larder
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View of Loch Leven from Benarty Hill
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Old Railway Tunnel on Lochearnhead to St. Fillans Path
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Loch Tummel Scenic Road
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Popular around Perth and Kinross
Purposeful Adventures from Comrie Croft
National Cycle Network Route 7 – Sunderland to Inverness
GB Divide — Great Britain end to end off-road on GBDURO
Cateran Trail — Hike old thieves' roads in a forgotten part of Scotland
The Central Belter — Gravel trails of the coast and Cairngorms
The Faultline Trail — Scotland tip to tip
The Badger Divide — Lochs, bothies & the heart of the highlands
Rob Roy Way — An enchanting outlaw trail for Highland Rogues
Great North Trail — From the Pennine Hills to the tip of Scotland
Cairngorms Loop — Burns, Lochs & Bothies of the Scottish Highlands
Other adventures in Perth and Kinross
Tips from the Community
Pleasant walk along heritage trail and sitting outside at Loch Leven’s Larder with a coffee a nice cake, sets you up for the return journey.
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Neish Island. We swim around it weekly, but it has a nice bit of history. https://canmore.org.uk/site/24437/neish-island-loch-earn https://cyclecrieff.scot/
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Great ride between Killin and Kenmore. Road was good but a real rollercoaster! Very few flat areas but beautiful none the less. Also, stopped for a bowl of soup at the Ferryman, which was excellent.
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Benarty Hill at 1,167 feet (356 m) is but a small mound in Scotland, and it is a relatively straight-forward hill walk to get to its trig pointed top, but it is huge in rewards with stunning views down over Loch Leven. The best way up is from the south, where you will have a short, steep climb up through the trees to get to the summit plateau and the trig point. The best way back is simply to retrace your steps. This has simply got to be one of Scotland’s underrated hills.
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Lowes is the top hardware store in the USA. The Lowes survey wants to gather customer opinions regarding their shopping experience at Lowes home improvement stores. The official Lowes survey program asks questions related to various aspects of store maintenance and customer service, such as cleanliness, product selection, and overall satisfaction with service. You can complete the Lowes customer survey at https://lowes-survey.co/ website. Your Feedback helps Lowes Store improve its services.
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The loch northside road offers, in places, excellent scenic views over the loch and valley. Don't forget to visit the southside single-lane road for an even more scenic and quiet cycle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular activities to do around the lakes in Perth and Kinross?
The lakes in Perth and Kinross offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy walking, running, and cycling on trails like the 13-mile traffic-free Loch Leven Heritage Trail. Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing are popular on Loch Tay and Loch Tummel. For more adventurous pursuits, there are numerous hiking trails, running routes, and mountain biking trails throughout the region.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities in the region?
Yes, several lochs and their surrounding areas are great for families. Loch Leven is particularly family-friendly, with the accessible Loch Leven Heritage Trail suitable for all abilities. The RSPB visitor centre on its south side offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and facilities. Mill Dam Lochan and Loch Earn are also noted as family-friendly highlights.
Which lakes offer good opportunities for wildlife spotting?
Loch Leven is internationally important for its birdlife, hosting more breeding ducks than any other inland European site and tens of thousands of wildfowl during migration. Ospreys are frequently seen hunting over the loch in summer. Loch Rannoch is known for its special wildlife and biodiversity, including large Ferox trout, Arctic charr, and otters. The Loch of the Lowes is also a great spot for wildlife viewing.
What historical sites can be found near the lochs of Perth and Kinross?
Loch Leven is home to Lochleven Castle on Castle Island, where Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned in 1567. Ferries operate to the castle during summer. Loch Tay features evidence of ancient crannogs (man-made islands), with a reconstructed crannog at the Scottish Crannog Centre providing insight into Iron Age life. You can also find the Old Railway Tunnel on Lochearnhead to St. Fillans Path, a historical site near Loch Earn.
Are there accessible trails around the lochs?
The Loch Leven Heritage Trail, a 13-mile path encircling Loch Leven, is traffic-free and accessible for all abilities, making it suitable for walking, running, cycling, or even horse riding. This trail provides an excellent option for those seeking accessible outdoor experiences.
When is the best time to visit the lakes in Perth and Kinross?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but each season offers unique experiences. Late summer to spring is excellent for birdwatching at Loch Leven due to migrating wildfowl. Summer is ideal for water sports and hiking. The surrounding area of Loch Tummel, part of Perthshire's 'Big Tree Country,' boasts ever-changing colors throughout the seasons, making autumn particularly scenic.
Can I go cycling around the lochs?
Yes, cycling is a very popular activity. The Loch Leven Heritage Trail is a fantastic traffic-free route around Loch Leven. Loch Tummel has scenic roads on both sides, with the B8019 on the northern shore offering good riding and views, and the southern road being quieter. Loch Rannoch also has a popular 22-mile cycling route around its perimeter. The South Loch Tay Road is also a scenic cycle way with beautiful views.
Is there a scenic drive or viewpoint worth visiting around the lochs?
Loch Tummel is famous for the 'Queen's View,' a renowned viewpoint offering panoramic vistas, especially westward towards the peak of Schiehallion. The Loch Tummel Scenic Road along the northern shore also provides amazing views. Additionally, the View of Loch Leven from Benarty Hill offers stunning panoramic vistas over Loch Leven after a relatively straightforward hill walk.
What facilities are available near the lakes, such as cafes or visitor centers?
Near Loch Leven, the RSPB has a visitor centre on the south side with excellent views, hides, woodland trails, and facilities. Loch Leven's Larder is also a popular spot for food. The Queen's View Visitor Centre at Loch Tummel offers facilities, including a tearoom and forest shop.
What unique natural features can I expect to see around Loch Tay?
Loch Tay is surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Highlands, including Ben Lawers, the 10th highest mountain in the British Isles. The loch itself is Scotland's sixth-largest by area and is notably deep. The villages of Killin, with its spectacular Falls of Dochart, and Kenmore, home to Taymouth Castle, are popular settlements along the loch, offering stunning natural scenery.
Where can I find a quiet spot or a hidden gem among the lochs?
For a quieter experience, Loch a' Choire is a small mountain loch with great views and a nice path around it, offering a peaceful spot to relax, especially after a hike up Ben Vrackie. The southern road around Loch Tummel is also noted as being quieter and more rugged for cycling compared to the main northern road.
What kind of fishing opportunities are available in the lochs?
Many lochs in Perth and Kinross offer excellent fishing. Loch Leven is home to the famed Loch Leven brown trout. Loch Tay is popular for salmon and trout fishing. Loch Tummel is also a good spot for fishing. Loch Rannoch is recognized for its special wildlife, including large Ferox trout and Arctic charr, making it a prime location for anglers.
Most popular routes in Perth and Kinross
Most popular attractions in Perth and Kinross
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