Kinlochard on Loch Ard

Kinlochard and Loch Ard

Kinlochard is a small community at the end of Loch Ard, in the heart of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Loch Ard is a freshwater loch about 2.5 miles long and one mile wide. The loch shapes both the paths along its shore and the opportunities on the water. Loch Ard is considered the source of the River Forth. Around the loch, you can look out for deer, squirrels, capercaillies and woodland birds.

Trails with different highlights

On the Loch Àrd Sculpture Trail, unusual sculptures in the forest are part of the trail experience. The route is 4¼ miles (6.7 km) long and takes about 2½ hours. The Forth Valley Viewpoint Trail is shorter: it measures 2 miles (3.4 km), with an estimated duration of about one hour. For planning your time, a direct comparison offers a useful guide: about one hour on the Forth Valley Viewpoint Trail compared with about two and a half hours on the Sculpture Trail.

Another route is the 2½-mile (4.2 km) Lochan Spling Trail, a scenic path to a small loch rich in wildlife. It is suitable for walking or cycling. The Eight Mile Loop is 8½ miles (13.8 km) long and is also suitable for walking and cycling. It follows the shore of Loch Ard before climbing to viewpoints overlooking Ben Venue and Ben Lomond. The two trails also differ in their highlights: the small loch is the destination at the end of the Lochan Spling Trail, while the Eight Mile Loop focuses on the transition from the shore to the viewpoints.

The woodland paths at Loch Ard are suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding. This means the options include horse riding as a separate activity, in addition to those mentioned for individual trails.

Water, fishing and history

Loch Ard’s sheltered setting is suitable for watersports such as kayaking and wild swimming. Loch Ard also has a sailing club affiliated with the RYA. Loch Ard Adventure offers group bookings for stand-up paddleboarding on the loch.

People have been fishing in the waters of Loch Ard for centuries. They offer good conditions for fly-fishing for brown trout, as well as varied opportunities for fishing for pike and perch. Robert Dick, a Victorian pioneer of tourism, is also associated with Loch Ard.

Getting here and planning your stay

The C61 service stops in Kinlochard and runs along a route via Callander, Thornhill, Port of Menteith and Aberfoyle. Check the service information before travelling.

If you are looking for a hotel in Kinlochard, you can start by deciding what you would like to focus on during your stay: a shorter outing, a longer trail with views, or activities on the water. The stated route lengths and approximate durations offer concrete guidance. This makes it easier to choose activities that fit the time you have planned for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Balfron, Aberfoyle, Kippen, Callander, Doune, Fintry, Killin, Gartmore

For the broader travel overview: Stirling.