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Scotland
Perth and Kinross

Loch Tay

Top 6 Lakes around Loch Tay

Best lakes around Loch Tay, a significant freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands, offers a diverse natural landscape. It is known for its deep waters, surrounded by dramatic peaks and historical sites. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration of its natural and cultural heritage. Loch Tay is approximately 23 km long and over 150 meters deep at its deepest point.

Best lakes around Loch Tay

  • The most popular lakes is South Loch Tay Road, a cycle…

Last updated: June 25, 2026

South Loch Tay Road

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Beautiful views out over Loch Tay, and much quieter and better to cycle than the main road to the North of the Loch. The only disadvantage is that it involves …

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Loch Tay

Highlight • Beach

The 6th largest loch in Scotland (by area) Loch Tay is long and deep (23.5km long and 150m deep). There is a road on both sides of the lake so …

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Pier Road takes you down to the wooded shoreline on the west side of Loch Tay. It is a woodland area, but there are opportunities to get close to the …

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Very scenic. Various car parking areas are nearby so a useful start/finish location. And of course, there's the Tamouth Courtyard restaurant and village shop just north up the road

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The Paper Boat Café

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Currently closed over the winter of 2022-2023. It's been a quality and successful cafe so hopefully re-opening in the spring.

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Popular around Loch Tay

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National Cycle Network Route 7 – Sunderland to Inverness

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Alice Baddeley

Tips from the Community

Marshall Dallas
November 5, 2024, South Loch Tay Road

Great ride between Killin and Kenmore. Road was good but a real rollercoaster! Very few flat areas but beautiful none the less. Also, stopped for a bowl of soup at the Ferryman, which was excellent.

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Pier Road takes you down to the wooded shoreline on the west side of Loch Tay. It is a woodland area, but there are opportunities to get close to the shoreline in many places to get the sublime views eastwards across the loch. Nearby there is also Finlarig Castle to visit, and there is parking nearby.

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Quiet road with good surfaces. Undulating.

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Permanently closed it seems

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Very scenic. Various car parking areas are nearby so a useful start/finish location. And of course, there's the Tamouth Courtyard restaurant and village shop just north up the road

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51m
December 27, 2022, Loch Tay

The 6th largest loch in Scotland (by area) Loch Tay is long and deep (23.5km long and 150m deep). There is a road on both sides of the lake so you can walk a loop but the road on the northern shore is faster and not that fun to walk on. The Munros to the north are brilliant walking country though.

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51m
December 3, 2022, The Paper Boat Café

Currently closed over the winter of 2022-2023. It's been a quality and successful cafe so hopefully re-opening in the spring.

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Steev
March 30, 2022, South Loch Tay Road

Rode this as part of my trip from Killin to Kirkmichael and even though I was fully loaded with panniers and bike bags it wasn't too bad with a nice mix of ascents and descents plus stunning views! Also nice and quiet with little in the way of vehicle traffic as they all stay on the busier north road. Highly recommend this route for touring or just as a nice way of getting between Kenmore and Killin

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular spots to visit around Loch Tay?

Visitors frequently enjoy the scenic South Loch Tay Road for cycling, which offers beautiful views. The Loch Tay beach is a favorite for picnics and swimming, especially at sunset. Another popular spot is Pier Road Woodland and Shoreline, Loch Tay, providing forest access and sublime views across the loch.

Where can I find stunning viewpoints around Loch Tay?

Loch Tay is surrounded by dramatic peaks, offering numerous scenic vistas. The South Loch Tay Road provides excellent views over the water. For a dedicated stop, the Picnic Area Overlooking Loch Tay is very scenic. Additionally, the ascent of Ben Lawers, the highest peak in the area, offers panoramic views of the loch and surrounding landscape.

Are there family-friendly areas or activities around Loch Tay?

Yes, the area around Loch Tay is very family-friendly. The Loch Tay beach is ideal for families, offering picnic and swimming areas. The Picnic Area Overlooking Loch Tay is another great spot for families to relax. Easy walks like the Falls of Dochart Walk are also suitable for all ages.

What kind of natural beauty can I expect to see around Loch Tay?

Loch Tay is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, nestled amidst the dramatic peaks of the Scottish Highlands. You'll find picturesque views, deep dark waters reflecting the skies, and the majestic Ben Lawers to the north. The area also features cascading rapids like the Falls of Dochart and serene woodlands such as the Pier Road Woodland and Shoreline.

Does Loch Tay have any historical significance?

Yes, Loch Tay is rich in history. It is home to more than 20 identified submerged crannogs, which are ancient, defensible, man-made islands where people lived during the Iron Age. A reconstructed crannog, part of the Scottish Crannog Centre, offers an interactive experience into Scotland's Iron Age history.

What hiking opportunities are available near Loch Tay?

The Loch Tay area offers a wide range of hiking opportunities, from easy walks to challenging mountain ascents. You can explore mountain hikes like the "Meall Greigh – Summit of Meall Garbh loop" or "Summit of Beinn Ghlas – Summit of Ben Lawers loop." For waterfall enthusiasts, routes like "Falls of Acharn and Kenmore Hill" are popular. You can find more details on these and other trails in the Mountain Hikes around Loch Tay and Waterfall hikes around Loch Tay guides.

Are there cycling routes around Loch Tay?

Yes, the area is excellent for cycling. The South Loch Tay Road is a popular and quieter route offering stunning views with a mix of ascents and descents. For gravel biking, you can find routes like "The Paper Boat Café – Green Bothy loop from Kenmore." More cycling options are available in the Gravel biking around Loch Tay guide.

What water sports can I do on Loch Tay?

Loch Tay's still waters are perfect for a variety of water sports. You can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and wild swimming. The loch is also a popular spot for fishing, with opportunities to catch salmon, trout, charr, pike, and roach.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the Loch Tay area?

Visitors consistently praise the stunning natural beauty and tranquility of Loch Tay. Many enjoy the quiet roads for cycling, the opportunities for wild swimming, and the picturesque picnic spots like the Loch Tay beach. The area's rich history and charming villages like Killin and Kenmore also add to its appeal.

Are there places to eat or relax by Loch Tay?

Yes, there are charming spots to eat and relax. The Paper Boat Café, located on the banks of Loch Tay, is known for its quality coffee, delicious food made with local produce, and unique interior design. Additionally, the Picnic Area Overlooking Loch Tay provides a scenic spot for a meal outdoors.

Can I go wild swimming in Loch Tay?

Yes, Loch Tay is a popular spot for wild swimming. Its clear, deep waters offer a refreshing experience amidst stunning natural scenery. Always be mindful of water safety and local conditions when wild swimming.

What are the main settlements around Loch Tay?

The main settlements on the lochside are Killin at the western end and Kenmore at the eastern end. Killin is known for the spectacular Falls of Dochart, while Kenmore is a picturesque village with thatched cottages, the historic Kenmore Hotel, and a charming marina.

Most popular routes around Loch Tay

Hiking around Loch Tay

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Still not found your perfect lake around Loch Tay? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

Glenlyon And Loch TayComrie And DistrictSt FillansFossowayKinrossPortmoakCleish And BlairadamMid Atholl,Strathtay And GrandtullyMilnathort And OrwellDunkeld And BirnamKilliecrankie, Fincastle And TummelMount BlairPitlochry And MoulinBlair Atholl And StruanDull And WeemAberfeldyRannochBlairgowrie And RattrayKenmore And DistrictGlenfargSpittalfield And DistrictEarnAlythAuchtergavenEast StrathearnBlackfordMethvenStanleyKettinsCoupar AngusMeigle And ArdlerLoch Leven National Nature ReserveBurrelton And DistrictLoch Rannoch And Glen LyonInchtureAbernethy And DistrictAuchterarder And DistrictLongforganInvergowrie And KingoodieRiver TayLoch RannochCrieffMuthill And Tullibardine

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Things to Do around Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve

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