Loch Venachar Lake
Scenic loch in the Trossachs, walking trails
Freshwater loch in the Trossachs near Callander. Visitors kayak, fish and follow footpaths that connect to longer Highland walking routes and local cycle trails.
Loch Venachar at a Glance#
About Loch Venachar#
Loch Venachar is a freshwater loch in the Trossachs, central Scotland, located close to the town of Callander. It forms part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and is framed by wooded hills and small settlements.
The loch is popular for sailing, angling and walking, with a number of short woodland trails and viewpoints around its shoreline. It is a local recreational focus rather than a large tourist destination.
The loch occupies a glacially formed valley in the southern Highlands and has been used historically for fishing and local transport. Modern leisure use expanded in the 20th century with improved road access.
It sits immediately east of Callander in Stirling council, within the national park that covers much of the Trossachs area.
- Recreation: A short drive from Callander and the Trossachs visitor services, it is commonly used for sailing, angling and lakeside walking.
How to Get to Loch Venachar#
Access via Callander with local roads leading to parking points and picnic areas around the loch; Callander is served by regional bus routes from Stirling and Glasgow.
Tips for Visiting Loch Venachar#
- Walk sections of the Loch Venachar Way for simpler access and varied viewpoints - local walk guides list the best short circuits.
- Visit nearby Callander for cafés and maps before heading out to lochside trails.
- Avoid the busiest weekend times if seeking solitude; late weekdays are quieter.
Best Time to Visit Loch Venachar#
Late spring to early autumn is the most comfortable period for visiting and walking around the loch; winter brings shorter days and icy conditions.
Weather & Climate near Loch Venachar#
Loch Venachar'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 (1485 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 6° | -1° | 185 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 6° | 0° | 122 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 126 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 4° | 73 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 14° | 8° | 85 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.2h |
| June | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 76 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 17° | 14° | 86 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 16.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 17° | 14° | 104 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.9h |
| September | Poor | 8° - 15° | 12° | 139 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.0 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 6° - 11° | 7° | 167 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.2h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 8° | 3° | 161 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 6° | 1° | 161 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
