Loch Tay

📌 Killin, Perth & Kinross / Stirling
★★★

Loch Tay is the Central Highlands’ largest loch, and number four in Scotland by volume. Popular hill walking territory and scenic landscapes surround its shores, with the Ben Lawers ridge running in an elegant chain along the north side. The settlements at either end – touristy Killin and quieter Kenmore – are equally attractive. The road between them is a useful link between east and west Scotland, but stays too far above the loch to allow access to the water’s edge, and but doesn’t have any public transport. Instead, we think the best views are from the beach at Kenmore, the mouth of the River Lochay at Killin, and from hilltop vantage points such as Sron a’ Chlachain. There are a number of ancient crannogs – artificial, defensive islands once used as dwellings – on the loch; the story of these is told at the excellent Scottish Crannog Centre near Kenmore.