Loch Rannoch

Lake Freshwater loch in Perthshire amid pine forests

Loch Rannoch lies on the edge of Rannoch Moor in the Scottish Highlands and offers trout fishing, walking routes, cycling and views of peat moorland and surrounding mountains.

Main image

Loch Rannoch is a freshwater loch in central Scotland’s Perthshire area, lying amid moorland, woodland and hills. It is a natural lake framed by upland terrain and is known for scenic shores and outdoor recreation.

The loch is flanked by mountain and moorland landscapes and supports activities such as fishing, walking and nature observation. The small settlement of Kinloch Rannoch at the eastern end acts as the main local hub for visitors and services.

The loch sits within the Scottish uplands, accessible by road from towns in Perthshire and the Highlands. Surrounding terrain includes forests and open moorland and provides routes into nearby hills and glens.

  • Local access point: The village of Kinloch Rannoch sits at the eastern end of the loch and provides the main visitor services for the area.
  • Recreation: The loch and surrounding hills are used for trout fishing, walking and hillwalking, with paths and trails running from lakeside settlements into nearby terrain.
Loch Rannoch
56.6833, -4.3000

How to Get to Loch Rannoch #

Loch Rannoch is accessible by the A827/A9 corridor in Perthshire. From Pitlochry it is about 45-60 minutes by car. The nearest railheads (Pitlochry or Rannoch) require onward road transport; local bus services are limited, so private transport is recommended.

Tips for Visiting Loch Rannoch #

  • If staying overnight nearby, watch the sunset from the loch's eastern shore-the light often catches the western hills beautifully.
  • Bring a map of surrounding walking routes; the area links to longer hikes (e.g., Schiehallion and other Perthshire routes).
  • Avoid mid-day on weekends in summer if seeking solitude-car parks can fill early.

Best Time to Visit Loch Rannoch #

Late spring through early autumn offers the most comfortable conditions for walking, boating, and photography.

Summer
June-August · 10-20°C (50-68°F)
Warmer weather with long daylight hours-best for boating and hiking.
Autumn
September-October · 5-12°C (41-54°F)
Brilliant leaf colors and fewer tourists; mornings can be misty and atmospheric.

Weather & Climate near Loch Rannoch #

Climate

Loch Rannoch'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 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1525 mm/year), wettest in January.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (199 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

199 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.4h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.0h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
16.2h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
17.3h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
High
16.8h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
16°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
14.9h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

164 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

167 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.0h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

171 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.7h daylight

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