Loch Achray, The Trossachs

Loch Achray looking towards Ben A’an

 

The Lochs of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Here is another in our series of guides to the 22 lochs in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Loch Achray, as you can see in the map above, is in The Trossachs, located between Lochs Katrine and Vencachar. Tucked away in the heart of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Loch Achray is a small yet stunning freshwater loch surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and iconic Highland scenery. Its calm waters reflect the dramatic backdrop of Ben Venue, making it a perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. Whether you’re a hiker, wildlife enthusiast, or just someone who loves a peaceful retreat, Loch Achray offers an idyllic escape.

Why Visit Loch Achray?

Loch Achray is a hidden gem that perfectly encapsulates the tranquillity and beauty of the Trossachs. Its serene waters, captivating landscapes, and range of activities make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a slice of the Scottish Highlands. Whether climbing Ben Venue, photographing the stunning views, or simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere, Loch Achray promises an unforgettable experience.

 

View of Ben A’an over Loch Achray

You’ll see a few pictures in this guide (like the one above) taken looking across Loch Achray to Ben A’an, this is one of my favourite views in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, and I’ll often stop when passing to photograph it.

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Ben A’an and Ben Venue

You can walk up two well-climbed hills close to Loch Achray. Ben Venue’s car park lies at the head of Loch Achray, with the newly enlarged Ben A’an car park not far away, close to the Loch Achray shore.

Ben A’an is especially popular, thanks to recent upgrades of the pathway. The car park, however, struggles for capacity even on an average off-season day. So the best advice is to head to these hills early to climb them.

The Majesty of Ben Venue

The dominant feature of the landscape is towering above Loch Achray, Ben Venue. This mountain, meaning “the small mountain” in Gaelic, rises to 727 metres (2,385 feet) and offers spectacular views of the loch, Loch Katrine, and the wider Trossachs. Historically, Ben Venue was known as a gathering place for clans and is prominently featured in the region's folklore. It provides a challenging yet rewarding hike, with trails that traverse its rugged slopes and reveal panoramic vistas. The mountain’s natural beauty and historic significance enhance the allure of Tigh Mor as a gateway to exploring the heart of the Highlands.

Loch Achray

Loch Achray Hotel

The Duke of Montrose built the Loch Achray Hotel in 1868 as a hunting lodge. It is now a Lochs & Glens Hotel. Highland Cows often come to the loch, and hotel guests in the fields can occasionally wander into it. Below, you can see a picture of Loch Achray Hotel with Ben Venue behind. I took this picture when covering the airlift of stone to build the path to the Roderick Dhu viewpoint at nearby Loch Katrine. Read about that at the link below.

Highland Cattle, Loch Achray

Tigh Mor, Loch Achray

Tigh Mor, a grand baronial-style mansion overlooking Loch Achray, is a striking landmark in the heart of Scotland’s Trossachs region. Known as the “Big House” in Gaelic, Tigh Mor has a rich history intertwined with the area’s natural beauty, romantic legends, and evolving uses over time.

Tigh Mor History

The origins of Tigh Mor date back to the mid-19th century, during a period when Scotland was experiencing a surge of interest in its Highlands, spurred by romantic literature and visits by Queen Victoria. The estate was initially developed as a retreat for the wealthy, offering access to the serene Loch Achray and panoramic views of the Trossachs. The mansion was built in the 1840s, designed in the Scottish Baronial style, with turrets and ornate stonework that evoke a sense of grandeur and tradition.

Connection to Sir Walter Scott

The surrounding Trossachs landscape is famously associated with Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake (1810), which brought the region to prominence as a tourist destination. While Tigh Mor was built after Scott’s works popularised the area, its location near Loch Achray places it firmly within the romanticised setting he described. Visitors to Tigh Mor could easily access Loch Katrine, the inspiration for Scott’s poem, and immerse themselves in the literary and natural beauty of the Highlands.

A Victorian Retreat

In its early years, Tigh Mor was used as a private residence for affluent families seeking respite from the industrialised cities of the south. The house and its surrounding estate provided an idyllic retreat where guests could enjoy hunting, fishing, and walking amidst the dramatic scenery of the Trossachs.

The Holiday Property Bond Era

Tigh Mor underwent a significant transformation in the late 20th century when it was acquired by the Holiday Property Bond (HPB). In the 1990s, the mansion was restored and redeveloped into luxury holiday apartments, ensuring the building’s preservation while making it accessible to modern visitors. Today, Tigh Mor operates as a timeshare property, offering its guests a combination of historic charm and modern comfort.

The renovation preserved many of the building’s original features, including its grand façade, intricate stonework, and traditional interior details, while adding amenities to meet contemporary holiday standards. Guests can enjoy stunning views of Loch Achray and access to the National Park’s outdoor activities directly from the estate.

I have visited Tigh Mor often, commissioned to photograph guests staying there.

The Trossachs

This part of the National Park is renowned for its wildlife and nature. The Trossachs have drawn writers, artists and painters for hundreds of years, inspired by the vivid landscapes. Discover Trossachs History in our guide; Loch Achray is on the newly revitalised Trossachs Trail.

Loch Achray is part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, and you can read more about the Three Lochs Forest Drive, which includes Loch Achray, at the link below.

Camping Pitches, Loch Achray

Camping, Loch Achray

There are some camping pitches and new facilities available at Loch Achray from Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

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Trossachs Church

Monthly services are held in Trossachs Church, which, as you can see from the drone picture below, occupies a beautiful spot, within the trees, close to Loch Achray.

Trossachs Church, Loch Achray

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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