Top 20 Lakes around Gartmore

Gartmore is an excellent base for exploring several picturesque lochs within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. The most notable in close proximity include Loch Ard, Loch Chon, and the vast Loch Lomond. Each offers unique features and activities, from tranquil waters to expansive bodies with numerous islands.

The lakes near Gartmore offer a wide range of outdoor activities. Loch Ard is ideal for water sports like kayaking, canoeing, open water swimming, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding, with surrounding forest trails for walking, mountain biking, and horse riding. Loch Chon is popular for angling, canoeing, kayaking, and cycling. Loch Lomond is a premier location for water sports, including stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and guided cruises, along with hiking. For more specific routes, you can explore running trails, easy hikes, and MTB trails in the area.

Yes, Loch Ard is particularly family-friendly, featuring the 4.5-mile Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trails with unusual sculptures and Gaelic markers. The Loch Ard Adventure Centre also offers water-based activities, including an obstacle course. Milarrochy Bay on Loch Lomond is also noted as family-friendly.

For breathtaking vistas, the area offers several prime spots. The View of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill provides stunning views of Loch Lomond and the Highlands. Another must-see is the View of Loch Katrine from the summit of Ben A'an, offering a rewarding climb to a wonderful viewpoint in the heart of the Trossachs. The Ben Lomond Mountain Trail also offers amazing views on the ascent.

Yes, open water swimming is a popular activity in the area. Loch Ard has designated swimming spots for safe access, and Loch Chon is also ideal for open water swimming, with easy access from the car park. Loch Lomond is also a popular spot for wild swimming, though water temperatures should always be considered.

Absolutely. Loch Ard is surrounded by miles of forest trails, including the Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trails. Loch Chon features a seven-mile trail that circuits the loch, offering fine views, and also connects to the 16-mile Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trail. For more challenging routes, you can hike to the summit of Ben Venue from Loch Chon or tackle the Ben Lomond Mountain Trail. You can find various hiking guides for the Gartmore area.

The lochs are rich in diverse wildlife. Around Loch Ard, you might spot roe deer, red squirrels, capercaillie, various woodland birds, mirage foxes, and ospreys. Loch Chon is home to red deer, otters, great spotted woodpeckers, tree creepers, and goldcrests. Loch Lomond supports rich communities of plants, invertebrates, fish, and birds.

Yes, Loch Chon is a popular destination for anglers. It's stocked with perch, pike, and brown trout, offering opportunities to fish for perch and pike year-round, and brown trout during specific seasons. Loch Ard is also popular for fishing, stocked with brown trout, perch, and pike.

The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, including the lakes around Gartmore, offers beauty year-round. Spring and summer provide warmer weather ideal for water sports and longer daylight hours for hiking. Autumn brings stunning foliage, while winter offers a tranquil, rugged beauty, though some trails might be more challenging due to weather conditions.

Many trails around the lakes are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs under control, especially in areas with livestock or sensitive wildlife. Specific restrictions might apply in certain areas or during particular seasons, so checking local signage is advisable.

Parking is generally available at popular access points for the lochs. For example, Loch Chon offers easy access to the water from its car park. For specific trails and viewpoints like Conic Hill or Ben A'an, designated car parks are usually available nearby.

Wild camping in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park requires a permit in certain seasons and zones. It's essential to check the National Park authority's guidelines for the most up-to-date information on permits for camping and any specific activities.