Loch Voil
A serene Highland glen with a tranquil loch, offering wild swimming, camping, and unique art installations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Loch Voil
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Highland glen with a tranquil loch, offering wild swimming, camping, and unique art installations.
"Stunning loch side views and tranquility, but beware the treacherous single-track road and parking."
🚗 Drive with Caution
Single-track road requires slow, careful driving. Limited viewpoints mean patience is key.
⛺ Wild Camping Pass
A pass is required during the season. Rangers check, so be prepared.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'LookOut' Mirrored Box
Loch Voil
A unique mirrored art installation offering a surreal reflection of the stunning glen and loch.
Rob Roy Country
Near Loch Voil
Explore the historic glen associated with the legendary outlaw Rob Roy Macgregor.
Wild Swimming & Camping
Loch Voil shores
Experience the clear, cold freshwater for a refreshing dip or a peaceful night under the stars.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Respect the Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
Single-track road requires slow, careful driving. Limited viewpoints mean patience is key.
⛺ Wild Camping Pass
A pass is required during the season. Rangers check, so be prepared.
🎣 Fishing Restrictions
Fishing is restricted on the north shore; plan accordingly if you have a camping spot there.
📸 Drone Photography
Stunning aerial shots are possible, capturing the dramatic landscapes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
Single-track road requires slow, careful driving. Limited viewpoints mean patience is key.
⛺ Wild Camping Pass
A pass is required during the season. Rangers check, so be prepared.
🎣 Fishing Restrictions
Fishing is restricted on the north shore; plan accordingly if you have a camping spot there.
📸 Drone Photography
Stunning aerial shots are possible, capturing the dramatic landscapes.
🚶♀️ Incomplete Circuit Walk
A river near the hostel prevents a full circuit walk around the loch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Loch Voil is lauded for its extreme scenic beauty, tranquility, and excellent fishing and wild swimming opportunities. Visitors appreciate the lack of large boats and the natural sounds. However, the treacherous single-track road with limited viewpoints and parking challenges are significant drawbacks, especially for campers.
"An area of extreme scenic beauty, off the beaten track from Balquhidder. Biggest drawback is on a very treacherous single track road there are very few viewpoints from which to enjoy any loch views . Great care and slow speed is needed"
Dennis Smalley
"Beautiful place to visit,stunning loch side views,Rob Roy grave nearby and other amenities nearby.Fishing is also good here."
Phillip Bull
"Great place to camp and swim. You can get a wild camping pass from the Loch Lomond park authority (Google camping Loch Voil) for £3 a night per tent. This IS a requirement during the season and the park rangers do come around to check. You also need to bring your own firewood."
will mcmurtrie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Loch Voil is accessed via a single-track road off the A84, near Balquhidder. This road is scenic but can be treacherous, requiring slow and careful driving. There are limited passing places and viewpoints along the route.
Public transport options to Loch Voil are very limited. It is best accessed by car. Consider local taxi services from nearby towns like Callander if you are not driving.
The road is a single-track with passing places. It's beautiful but narrow and winding, so drive with extreme caution and be prepared to pull over frequently for oncoming traffic.
While the drive is scenic, there are very few designated viewpoints from which to enjoy the loch views. You'll need to be patient and look for safe spots to pull over.
No, it is not possible to walk or drive completely around Loch Voil due to a river. The walk is lovely on both sides, but the circuit is incomplete.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a wild camping pass is required during the season. These can be obtained from the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park authority. Rangers do patrol to check for passes.
The wild camping pass costs approximately £3 per night per tent. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Yes, there are parking charges, and the passing places often fill up with campers. This can be a point of frustration for visitors.
Fishing is permitted, but there are restrictions. Specifically, fishing is not allowed on the north shore, requiring anglers to travel to the south shore.
While Loch Voil itself is a wilder destination, nearby accommodation like the Monachyle Mhor Hotel or Mhor Bread may require advance booking, especially during holidays.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Loch Voil offers beautiful walks along its shores. While a full circuit isn't possible, both the north and south sides provide lovely scenery and opportunities for exploration.
Yes, Loch Voil is an excellent spot for kayaking, offering tranquil waters and stunning views of the surrounding glen.
The 'LookOut' is a unique, mirrored art installation designed to blend into the landscape, offering a surreal reflection of the glen and loch. It's part of a series of hidden artworks.
Loch Voil is known for its fishing experience, offering tranquility away from larger boats. Remember the restrictions on the north shore.
Absolutely! Loch Voil is a popular spot for wild swimming, with clear, cold freshwater perfect for a refreshing dip.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'LookOut' mirrored box offers unique photographic opportunities. Drone shots capture the dramatic glen and loch, especially during golden hour. 
Drone photography is popular here and can yield stunning results, showcasing the vastness of the landscape. Always be mindful of privacy and local regulations.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hues enhancing the natural beauty of the glen.
The 'LookOut' mirrored box is a must-photograph. The surrounding hills and the tranquil waters of the loch itself provide endless scenic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A drone offers a unique perspective. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While a full circuit walk isn't possible, exploring the accessible parts of the loch shores can be enjoyable. The tranquility and natural beauty provide a great escape from busy city life. Consider packing plenty of snacks and entertainment for the drive, as amenities are scarce.
🏕️ Campers & Hikers
Hikers will find beautiful, albeit incomplete, walking routes along the loch's shores. The scenery is breathtaking, offering a true taste of the Scottish Highlands. Pack sturdy footwear and be ready for changeable weather.
🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Single-Track Road
Many visitors find the drive challenging but rewarding. The limited viewpoints mean you need to be observant and find safe spots to stop and appreciate the scenery. Don't rush; embrace the slower pace of travel that this type of road necessitates. It's a stark contrast to the more accessible tourist routes, offering a more authentic Highland experience.
Wild Camping and Responsible Tourism
Respecting the environment is paramount. Pack out everything you pack in, leave no trace, and be mindful of noise levels to preserve the tranquility for others and wildlife. The fishing regulations, particularly the restrictions on the north shore, also highlight the need to be aware of and adhere to local rules.
The 'LookOut' and Artistic Encounters
This artistic element adds another layer to the exploration of Loch Voil, blending art with nature. It's a testament to how contemporary art can enhance the appreciation of natural beauty. Finding these installations can be an adventure in itself, encouraging visitors to explore off the beaten path and engage with the landscape in a new way.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit