A circular walk following a forestry track climbing to a hidden lochan to the south of Loch Venachar. The return is made along the shores of the loch with fine views.
Forest tracks and private tarmac roads throughout
None to start.
Invertrossachs car park.
The Invertrossachs Car Park is hidden away at the end of the public section of the road to Invertrossachs along the south shore of Loch Venachar. Continue all the way along the road (passing a couple of small lochside parking areas) and go through the white gateposts for Invertrossachs Estate, the signed carpark is then just up on the left. Begin the walk by following the forestry track which climbs gradually across the hillside from here. The route soon passes some electricity pylons. Keep straight ahead when another track joins in from the left. The next section of the forest has been clear-felled and now gives excellent views across the loch to Ben Ledi.
The tall sitka spruces soon block out the views once more (unless more felling has taken place). After another kilometre or more a fork is reached. Turn right here to reach an attractive little lochan almost hidden in the forest, a good place to spot Whooper Swans. The track climbs round the north side of the lochan before swinging to the right back into the trees.
The track now passes through a rocky little bealach or pass, with a small quarry on the right at the top. From here there are grand views over Loch Venachar. Almost immediately the track forks; take the right hand branch.
The track makes a long and winding descent to the shores of Loch Venachar where it meets part of the National Cycle Network, specifically Route 7 which runs from Carlisle to Inverness. Turn right along this, which is a private tarmac road at this point.
The route gives excellent views across the loch, especially of Ben Ledi directly opposite and the Lochside cafe on the opposite shore. Pass the Invertrossachs Scouting Centre and the Loch Venachar sailing club before the track eventually leads back to the start after around two and a half kilometres.
Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands.
