Loch Voil & Loch Doine
Loch Voil and its western neighbour, the smaller Loch Doine, lie amid beautiful scenery and in a glen steeped in history. This is part of an area known as Rob Roy country and there are a number of historical highlights relating to the infamous 17th century Scottish outlaw Rob Roy Macgregor. Rob Roy is a Scottish folk hero who became famous through Sir Walter Scott’s novel about his life.
In Balquhidder village, at the eastern end of Loch Voil, you can visit the Old Kirk and the grave of Rob Roy. A viewpoint above the church, called the McLaren Stone, offers a panoramic view over Balquhidder Glen and along the full length of Loch Voil.
From Balquhidder heading west a winding, single-track road hugs the northern shores of both lochs for around six miles and leads to the remote location Inverlochlarig. The road is ideal for quiet cycling or a walk and ends beside a small car park where you meet a private farm road. The farm is located on the site of the house where Rob Roy died in 1734. This road becomes a Landrover track that offers further walking – or mountain biking if you are skilled on rough terrain – of around four miles heading west towards Loch Lomond.
An innovative trail called BLiSS links four locations on the loch and nearby, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans, and features a series of art and ornamental installations. BLiSS was launched in the Year Of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 and provides the basis for a scenic drive of the full length or a walk or cycle along various sections. See the Loch Voil art installation, LookOut, here.
LookOut art installation
The Munros Beinn Tulaichean and Cruach Ardrain are accessed from Inverlochlarig. Indeed, hill walkers are spoilt for choice in the area with many paths and trails, especially amid the forested valley of Kirkton Glen, to the north of Balquhidder. The long-distance walking trail, The Rob Roy Way, also passes through Balquhidder.
Loch Voil from Creag an Tuirc
For cyclists, a cycle track runs through Balquhidder, via the picturesque Glen Ogle and down through Strathyre and Callander.
Anglers are allowed to fish in Loch Voil for salmon and brown trout. Head to Muirlaggan farm on the south shore for permits.
As you explore the area look out for abundant wildlife, including deer, red squirrels and a wide variety of birds such as buzzards, eagles and occasionally, ospreys.
Make a stay of it
Whether you’re looking for the comfort of a campsite or the solitude of ‘wild camping’, the National Park offers plenty of places to immerse yourself in some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland.
If you are planning to ‘wild camp’, be aware that seasonal byelaws came into effect on 1st March 2017 which affect how you can camp in some areas between March and September. During this time, you need a permit to camp or (in some locations) to stay overnight in your motorhome in these Camping Management Zones.
Explore our map to find your perfect spot