Loch Achray
Lake Freshwater loch amidst Trossachs woodlands
A freshwater loch in the Trossachs area of Scotland, surrounded by walking trails and mixed woodlands. Anglers, hillwalkers and cyclists use the loch as a base for local routes.
Loch Achray is a small freshwater loch in the Trossachs area of central Scotland, within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. It lies in a wooded, hill-fringed landscape between larger nearby lochs.
The loch is framed by forest and hills and is commonly used for short walks, picnics and shoreline views; roads and car parks nearby provide easy day-visitor access. The setting is compact and well suited to short circular walks and viewpoints along the adjacent minor roads.
The loch and its immediate surroundings have long been used for local recreation and informal fishing rather than as a major historic site. Management focuses on public access and the conservation of the surrounding woodland.
Geographically the loch sits in the Trossachs, between the better-known Loch Katrine and Loch Venachar, and is approached from local roads serving the small towns and villages of the area.
- Park access: Located within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the loch is flanked by mixed woodland and short walking routes that are suitable for day visits.
How to Get to Loch Achray #
By car: Loch Achray lies beside the A84 between Callander and Lochearnhead in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs area. The easiest way is to drive from the town of Callander along the A84; there are roadside laybys and small car parks close to the loch shore.
By public transport: the nearest railhead is Stirling; from Stirling take a local bus or a short taxi ride to Callander and then drive or walk a few minutes from the A84 laybys to the loch.
Tips for Visiting Loch Achray #
- Visit at first light for glassy water and reflections of surrounding hills-early mornings are usually the calmest and quietest.
- Use the A821 laybys and small car parks near the loch for the easiest access; from the road you can reach short shore walks without committing to longer hikes.
- Don't assume everyone will head to nearby Loch Katrine-Loch Achray is often much quieter, so take the shore path east of the road to enjoy views with fewer people.
Best Time to Visit Loch Achray #
Aim for late spring to summer (May-September) for the most pleasant conditions and longest daylight around the loch.
Weather & Climate near Loch Achray #
Loch Achray's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1639 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (206 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
