Loch Achray

Loch Achray is a small loch in the Trossachs, in the Stirling council area of central Scotland, roughly 11 km west of the town of Callander. It sits inside Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, ringed by woodland and steep hillsides, and it is one of the easiest lochs in the area to reach, with the A821 running right beside it.

Where is Loch Achray?

The loch lies on the stretch between Aberfoyle and Brig o' Turk. Its outflow, the Black Water, runs on to neighbouring Loch Venachar. The surrounding woodland is known as Achray Forest, a wooded valley between hills, and the pointed summit of Ben A'an stands over the whole scene. Coordinates are about 56.23° N, 4.40° W.

How do you get there?

Driving is by far the simplest option. Callander is about 11 km east, and Aberfoyle lies the other way over the pass along the same A821. Forest car parks nearby are pay-and-display, and the fee at the Ben Venue car park has been a few pounds, so bring a card or coins. Public transport in this part of the Trossachs is limited, so check current services before you set off.

What can you see and do here?

Loch Achray works best as a base for short walks and big views.

• Loch Achray Loop – a loop of about a kilometre through conifer woods, starting from the Three Lochs Forest Drive, with views over the water and the Great Trossachs Forest.
• Walk around the loch – a gentle route along the shore and the Achray Water; guides put it at about 3 miles and 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Ben A'an – a cone-shaped peak of about 454 m (1,512 ft). The path starts at a paid car park on the A821, and the car park itself already looks out over Loch Achray. It is one of the most popular short climbs in the Trossachs.
• Ben Venue – a longer day out to a 727 m summit, the highest point of this forest area.
• Loch Katrine and Loch Venachar – the neighbouring lochs, easy to combine with a stop at Achray. The route from Callander to Brig o' Turk follows Loch Venachar and continues towards Loch Achray and Loch Katrine.

Viewpoints such as Creag Noran above Loch Katrine give a look down onto Loch Achray in the valley below.

When should you visit?

The Trossachs are scenic all year, but late spring to autumn is best for the trails, with long days and drier paths. In autumn the woods turn rust and gold. Mountain weather in Scotland shifts quickly, so pack a waterproof jacket and proper footwear even for a short walk. In winter, paths can be wet or icy.

Are there access restrictions?

Forestry and Land Scotland reports that some sites in the region were hit by Storm Bram, and certain paths have been closed because of fallen trees. Check the latest notices on the Forestry and Land Scotland website before you travel. Forestry work can also close car parks or sections of trail for a time.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Loch Achray? In the Trossachs, in the Stirling area, about 11 km west of Callander and between Aberfoyle and Brig o' Turk, inside Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Can you park by the loch? Yes, there are forest car parks nearby, including those at the foot of Ben A'an and at Ben Venue. They are paid, so have a card or cash ready.

Is the walk around the loch hard? No. The lochside routes are gentle and suit families, and the short loop is about a kilometre. The longer circuit takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

Which hills are close by? Ben A'an (about 454 m) is the shorter climb, with a view of the loch, and Ben Venue (727 m) is a longer and more demanding route.