Loch Achray
Tranquil Loch Achray offers stunning Scottish Highland scenery, perfect for camping, hiking, and scenic drives.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quiet and peaceful start
Loch Achray
Best Time
Quiet and peaceful start
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil Loch Achray offers stunning Scottish Highland scenery, perfect for camping, hiking, and scenic drives.
"Fantastic spot for the paddle board. The views are actually spectacular."
🏕️ Book Camping Permits Early
Secure your spot for camping at Loch Achray, permits are affordable and essential.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for navigating layby access to beaches and trails like Ben A'an.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ben A'an Hike
Near Loch Achray
A rewarding beginner hike with breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Katrine and Loch Achray.
Three Lochs Forest Drive
Loch Achray area
A scenic 7-mile drive passing three picturesque lochs, perfect for a leisurely exploration.
+1
Lochside Camping
Loch Achray shores
Enjoy a tranquil camping experience with stunning loch views and the option for campfires.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Camping Permits & Fire Safety
Accessing the Best Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏕️ Book Camping Permits Early
Secure your spot for camping at Loch Achray, permits are affordable and essential.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for navigating layby access to beaches and trails like Ben A'an.
🔥 Responsible Campfires
Allowed with common sense; avoid direct grass contact for BBQs.
🚗 Utilize Layby Parking
Park in laybys near the loch for beach access, be ready for a short climb.
Tips
from all over the internet
🏕️ Book Camping Permits Early
Secure your spot for camping at Loch Achray, permits are affordable and essential.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for navigating layby access to beaches and trails like Ben A'an.
🔥 Responsible Campfires
Allowed with common sense; avoid direct grass contact for BBQs.
🚗 Utilize Layby Parking
Park in laybys near the loch for beach access, be ready for a short climb.
📸 Capture the Mansion View
Look for the old mansion on the opposite shore for a unique photo opportunity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Loch Achray's stunning natural beauty, ideal for camping, hiking, and watersports. The affordable camping permits and scenic drives are major draws, though parking can be limited, and some access points require a bit of a climb. Overall, it's a highly recommended spot for a peaceful escape into nature.
"Fantastic spot for the paddle board. Got parked in a layby closed to a decent spot on the beach. There's a few laybys that will lead you down to the beach just be prepared for a small climb and wear decent boots.
The beach spot we were at was a nice little sun trap. It was a nice early spring day warmed up a bit more with the fire pit. Beach was quiet and secluded with views are actually spectacular."
Davie
"Lovely campsite with basic toilet block [no showers] and right on loch you get firebowl if hire lower pitches. Was great for sneaky weekend stay with my son with a glorious glass loch evening paddle and hike up Ben Aan the next day."
Tim King
"My favourite camping spot... the loch is nice and shallow if your at location L... so kids safe to splash around... it's ok to have a fire... if you use common sense... nearby toilets... and after 4 o'clock the gates to the drive are licked and only people camping will be in the area... the rangers do a fantastic job to look after the place and you when you visit... great for wildlife... fishing. swimming . Camping..."
James Mcalweenie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Loch Achray is accessible by car, with parking available in laybys along the perimeter and at the Ben Venue Car Park. The Three Lochs Forest Drive is a popular route to explore the area. +1
While some areas offer scenic views from laybys, many trails and beach access points involve climbs and uneven terrain. The Three Lochs Forest Drive offers a more accessible way to see the lochs by car.
The A821, also known as the Duke's Pass, offers a scenic route towards Loch Achray and the Trossachs. The Three Lochs Forest Drive is a dedicated route within the national park.
Yes, Loch Achray is a fantastic destination for a day trip, offering opportunities for short hikes, photography, and enjoying the scenery.
Public transport options to Loch Achray are limited. It's best accessed by car, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding national park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a camping permit is required for Loch Achray, which can be easily booked online from the national park for a small fee per tent per night.
Camping permits are very affordable, typically around £3-£4.80 per night per tent, making it a budget-friendly option.
There are no general entrance fees for Loch Achray itself. Parking at specific car parks like Ben Venue may have charges, and camping requires a permit.
The gates for the Three Lochs Forest Drive are typically locked after 4 PM, with only campers remaining in the area overnight.
Campfires are permitted at Loch Achray if you use common sense and responsible practices. Avoid using single-use BBQs directly on the grass.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include hiking (especially Ben A'an), camping, fishing for pike, paddleboarding, swimming, and enjoying the scenic drives like the Three Lochs Forest Drive. +1
Yes, the campsite at Loch Achray has basic toilet facilities, though showers are not typically available.
Yes, Loch Achray is great for families. The loch is shallow in some areas, making it safe for kids to splash around, and there are opportunities for gentle walks and wildlife spotting.
The area is known for its wildlife, offering opportunities to spot various birds and other native species.
Loch Achray is a central point for exploring the Trossachs. You can drive the Three Lochs Forest Drive, hike Ben A'an, or use it as a base for wider exploration of the national park.
📸 📸 Photography
Key spots include the views from Ben A'an, the old mansion on the opposite shore, and various points along the Three Lochs Forest Drive. The reflections on the loch are also stunning.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography, with golden hour providing stunning reflections and landscapes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod will help with low-light conditions and long exposures.
The summit of Ben A'an offers a spectacular panoramic viewpoint. Also, look for the old mansion on the far shore for a unique composition.
Drone usage is subject to national park regulations. Always check the latest guidelines and ensure you fly responsibly and respectfully.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The Three Lochs Forest Drive provides an easy way to see the scenery without strenuous hiking, and short, gentle walks are available. 🏕️ Budget Travelers
+1 Parking in laybys is often free, and the main activities like hiking and enjoying the scenery are completely free. 🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
The Loch Achray area itself is crisscrossed with trails, perfect for day hikes and exploring the diverse flora and fauna. +1 Pack layers, waterproofs, and good hiking boots, as the Scottish weather can be unpredictable. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Loch Achray
+1 Campers can enjoy designated pitches, some of which are slightly raised and scattered within the woodland, offering a sense of privacy and a wild camping feel. Campers often highlight the stunning lochside views and the opportunity for evening paddles or hikes up nearby Ben A'an the following day.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
This hike is often recommended for beginners looking to experience Scottish hill walking. Beyond Ben A'an, the Three Lochs Forest Drive offers a more relaxed way to experience the landscape, winding through forests and past three picturesque lochs: Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Drunkie, and Loch Achray itself.
+1 This drive is ideal for those who prefer scenic car journeys or want to stop for short walks and photography. Photography Opportunities
Keep an eye out for the old mansion on the opposite shore of Loch Achray; it provides a unique architectural element to landscape shots. The reflections on the loch's surface, especially during the tranquil early mornings or the golden hours of late afternoon, create magical and serene images.
The Three Lochs Forest Drive also presents numerous pull-off points with beautiful compositions of water, forest, and hills. +1 For those interested in wildlife, patience and a good zoom lens can yield rewarding shots of local fauna. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit