Loch Lubnaig in The Trossachs

Loch Lubnaig Walks Cycling and Watersport

Just a couple of miles north of Callander beyond the Pass of Leny
you find Loch Lubnaig - 'The Crooked Loch' with plenty parking and picnoc spots
There are also many scenic spots which appeal to photographers and artists

A fascinating four miles of scenery just quarter of a mile wide

The lochside parking places do not have litter bins and there is no litter clearance service - PLEASE TAKE YOUR LITTER HOME

Loch Lubnaig

Loch Lubnaig lies in the midst of the Strathyre Forest. The loch is 3.5miles long, averages about 1/4 mile wide and the deepest part is approximately 100ft .

The loch is fed mainly by the river Balvaig which flows into the north end of the loch in a highly sedimented area which supports a large variety of wildlife. Many burns also flow into Loch Lubnaig, the largest being the Stank burn on the west side and the burn from GlenAmple at Ardchullerie on the east side. The loch empties at the souht end into the 'Garbh Uisge' - 'the rough water' - which flows via the Leny Pass and the Leny Falls to join the river Teith at Callander.

On its western shore  Beinn-an-T'sithean (Ben Shian) is 1800ft high and a signed footpath leads through the forest and exits onto the open hillside where Loch Lubnaig comes into view in a spectacular fashion. From the top of this hill the whole of Strathyre can be seen nestling in the shelter of the glen.

The map shows the main parking places accessible from the road. The 2 parking areas on the lochside at the south end give best access to the loch shore for fishing, canoeing and - in warmer weather - bathing in the loch. On the west side which may only be accessed by bike or on foot, there are several points where you can easily leave the track to access the loch at small gravelly beaches which provide pleasant surroundings for picnics.

Also on the west shore is the C7 cycleway which follows the track bed of the defunct Dunblane to Oban railway line. This track may be accessed at Callander, Kilmahog, Stank and then again at Strathyre. The cycleway is mostly level and is suitable for walkers and cyclists. Some more adventurous tracks lead into the woods and onto the higher slopes on both shores, the most popular being Ben Shian at Strathyre, Stank Glen near Ben Ledi and Glen Ample at Ardchullerie which can be followed all the way to Edinample at Lochearn - this last is difficult on a bike due to boggy patches and some boulder strewn sections.

Click the photos for the larger version

Loch Lubnaig looking south from Ben Shian

Loch Lubnaig at the first laybye with Ben Ledi and Stank Glen across the loch under first snow

Loch Lubnaig at the most southerly laybye - view to the north

Loch Lubnaig from Ben Ledi timber road with Glen Ample beyond at Ardchullerie

The Anie burn entering Lubnaig with the Pass of Leny in the background

Boating on Loch Lubnaig

Boat launching is allowed on Loch Lubnaig but outboard engines must be under 10 h.p. Speedboats and jet skis are not allowed, but for someone who just wants a sail on a nice day, or a family picnic, Loch Lubnaig is the ideal place.
For £10 you can get a key for the slipway at Baynes tackle shop in Callander and leave your trailer secure whilst you are on the water.

At the northern end of Strathyre village is an area of levelish ground  surrounding the river Balvaig . In flood, the river transforms this area into  ‘Loch Occasional’, at the eastern end of Balquhidder Glen (near King's House Hotel) and usually only happens mid-winter or spring

Fishing on Loch Lubnaig

Fishing is available on the loch with some fine salmon on record. Boating is permitted but engine size is restricted - call Bayne's fishing shop in Callander for permits and information about powered boats.

This loch is not suitable for sailing due to its adverse wind conditions but is often frequented by canoes. Migrating salmon pass through the loch on their way to the spawning grounds further upstream.

Walks near Loch Lubnaig

• Ben Ledi - not quite a munro. Access via Stank bridge 1/4 mile south of Loch Lubnaig
• Ben Sithean - a wee hill with big vierws. Access at Strathyre via footbridge at carpark or over bridge near Munro Hotel. Signposted.
• Glen Ample - a wild walk of about 5 miles to Loch Earn. Start at Ardchullerie south of Strathyre
• Stank waterfall - Access at Stank bridge, Follow riverside path upstream 1 mile, sign to Ben Ledi on left.
• Forest walks - Access east side of A84 opposite second lochside carpark from south end of Loch Lubnaig.

Cycling near Loch Lubnaig

The main cycling attraction is the national cycle network C7 route from Callander to Killin which passes along the west shore of Loch Lubnaig. Access at Callander, Kilmahog, Stank Bridge and at Strathyre.

A route via Glen Ample for the hardier wild biker starts at the east side of A84 opposite second lochside carpark from south end of Loch Lubnaig. Take the steep forest track uphill then left and right to follow a forest trach through trees which eventually opens out to wild Glen Ample on a track both wild, sometimes boulder strewn and often wet. The track ends at Edinample Castle at Loch Earn. Return by A84 close to the castle.