Loch Venachar Circuit

Loch Venachar Circuit is a 12.25-mile loop from Glen Finglas (Lendrick Hill) car park, east of Brig o’ Turk. Allow 4½–5 hours for a route that climbs through native woodland, follows a high path over the loch, then mixes minor roads, shared cycle paths and a rough forest drive on its way back around. It gains about 450 metres. The changing wooded shoreline and two old stone bridges make this a varied half-day walk, but the road miles are part of the deal; this isn’t a quick shore stroll.

Cross the signed bridge and climb steeply through native woodland. At several forks, bear right and stay on the high contour path; a tempting path drops off to the right. The route rolls through gates above the water before descending near a water-treatment works and climbing again on the cycle path. The turns are close enough that it helps to have the route map open. Glen Finglas was bought by Woodland Trust Scotland in 1996, and its woodland restoration continues alongside the people who farm and live on the estate.

At the road junction, cross onto a quieter road and pass over the Eas Gobhain, Loch Venachar’s outflow, on a stone bridge. The wooded Invertrossachs shore gives a series of views down the loch, then the path follows signed National Cycle Network 7 through woods beside the water. That gives way to the rough Forest Drive, which can have occasional vehicles. Go through Achray Farm, cross Black Water on another old stone bridge, and pick up minor road into Brig o’ Turk; the route then uses pavement beside the A821 and a boardwalk to return uphill to Glen Finglas. For a photo, look for a clear view across the water from the wooded shore.

Expect a steep, uneven opening climb and several junctions, followed by shared cycle paths and road walking. Watch for occasional traffic on the Forest Drive and on the A821 stretch through Brig o’ Turk. Start at Glen Finglas (Lendrick Hill) car park; toilets are beside the start. Dogs are allowed under Scotland’s access rights. Keep them close or on a short lead around livestock and near ground-nesting birds, especially during the usual April–July breeding season.