Watersport in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs
National Park, Scotland
Scottish Watersport Venues
Watersports Scotland - Rivers and Lochs in the National Park
Water is what made the Trossachs - and the rest of Scotland, with a little help from
the mountains! With so much water around, there is ample scope for almost every watersport
you 
could imagine. The rivers rising in this region flow both
east and west, to the rivers Tay, Forth and Clyde as the watersheds in the region shed
their water in three directions.
The rivers have different natures and offer everything from slow deep peaceful stretches to rapids which test the most advanced canoe or white water rafting enthusiast. The Lochs can be small and interesting, or large and exposed. Some have hosts of small islands to explore - some even have the remains of ancient dwellings or strongholds on crannogs.
Make sure you're suitably dressed before you go!
The main rivers and lochs in the area are:
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Please note that fishing is described in the Fishing section.
Outdoor Centres
Killin (R. Lochay & Loch Tay)
Killin Outdoor Canoe hire
Provides Canoe hire and canoes / kayak to purchase within a few yards of access to the
river
There are outdoor activity centres scattered all over the Trossachs area, and more open every year so there is no shortage of resources, whether your interest be on the water, in the water or just looking.
Within 30 minutes drive of Callander, there are at least six lochs and four rivers providing some form of watersport, sailing, kayaks, water-ski-ing, whitewater canoing, diving and fishing- the list is endless.
One very popular canoe trip for less experienced adventurers starts at the Meadows car park in Callander and follows the river Teith eastwards via placid pools, two or three easy rapids and some tree lined fast and straight stretches for about five miles to an easy pick-up point near to the main road to Stirling. The Teith is easily navigable by canoe all the way to Doune!
The remainder of this page describes just four of the lochs in the area and some of the activities available.
Boating on Loch Lubnaig
Boat launching is allowed on Loch Lubnaig but outboard engines must be under 10 h.p.
Speedboats and jet skis are not allowed, but for someone who just wants a sail on a nice
day, or a family picnic, Loch Lubnaig is the ideal place.
For £10 you can get a key for the slipway at Bayners tackle shop in Callander and leave
your trailer secure whilst you are on the water.
Boating on Loch Venachar
If you don't have your own boat you can hire one from Trossachs Leisure at Loch Venacher. Phone 01877 330011 for information.
Watersports, Sailing and white water
at Kenmore & Killin on Loch Tay
A watersport centre is co-sited with the
'Crannog' exhibition half a mile west from Kenmore on the south side of
Loch Tay.
Canyoning with all equipment provided is also available at Kenmore.
Cruises on Loch Tay are usually available from Kenmore during the summer and there are watersports centres at both ends of Loch Tay.
Canoes may be hired from the outdoor centre in Killin (Tel 01567 820
652) and the River Lochay provides a quiet route to Loch Tay and the islands.
Boats may be hired at Milton Morenish and for the adventurous, white water rafting is
available from Kenmore and Aberfeldy.
Watersport at Loch Lomond
In the
centre of the National Park in Scotland you find Loch Lomond, considered by some to be the
jewel of the national park and from which the Park gains part of its name. Loch Lomond
stretches from its gentle southern end at Balloch to Ardlui, some twenty-one miles to the
northwest.
Loch Lomond, made famous by the song "the Bonnie Banks " is one of the main
attractions of the park.
At the southern end of the Loch is Balloch . The river Leven exits the loch and here you will find the largest of many marinas on the loch as well as watersports, trips on motor launches.
Situated on the eastern shore is Balmaha. It is I suppose the eastern pleasure boating centre of Loch Lomond nestling in a sheltered bay, permanently populated by pretty pleasure craft.
Further north from Balmaha is Rowardennan. The small steamer pier
here is still used by pleasure boats taking visitors on the Loch and round some of the
islands. This area is often used by divers as the bottom slopes quickly in places to
deeper water. The local police use this as a training area.
Motor cruiser excursions are also available from the area around Tarbet and Luss.
Jet-ski-ing is also popular on some parts of the Loch.
Watersports at Lochearn
Sailing, Scooters and water ski-ing
The waters of Loch Earn have long been famous for watersports. Lochearnhead Activity
Centre provides waterski-ing for all abilities. Waterski-ing championships are held here
regularly. Also a favourite venu for dingy sailing, Lochearn gives added interest and
challenge due to the often 
unpredictable 'puffs' of wind coming from the many narrow glens
which drop down to Lochearn.
Kayaks and Canadian Canoes are also available for hire.
Tel 01567 830 330
Just a few miles south at Strathyre you will find Standing
Waves Leisure. 
They provide facilities for all abilities together with equipment hire and instruction.
Tel 01877 384 361
Watersports at Loch Ard
Loch Ard is to be found just north of Aberfoyle on
the Inversnaid road. Forest Hills Watersports have a huge range of watersports available
including:
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Canadian Canoeing
- Rowing
- Rafting
They also offer a range of 'adventure' type sports for the less inhibited. I have never used their centre, but have heard reports that some activities at least are for the young at heart (and body)!
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