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:

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

Classic canoe route for 70 miles down the Dochart / Tay valley starting at Crianlarich. Canoeing the river from Crianlarich (access via a stile behind BenMore Lodge Hotel). Total possible route about 70 miles with exit at Perth (North Inch). Portages at Corriechaorach, Dochart Falls, possibly Grandtully and Stanley (Thistle Brig). Classic section is Loch Tay - 17 miles with fabulous scenery north and south

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:

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)!