Loch Tay is 15 miles long and 508 feet deep and is surrounded by a National Nature Reserve, home to the Ben Lawers mountain range and the highest mountain in the southern part of the Scottish Highlands. If you don't fancy tackling a munro, for a walk that is slightly more relaxing, you can make your way to Kenmore and head for a brief stroll to the Falls of Acharn, tucked away in a quiet ravine and reached only via a 17th century Hermit’s Cave.
The area around Loch Tay and the loch itself are full of history. Ancient settlers used to live on the loch's crannogs; artificially created, defensible islands. One in particular near the north shore at Kenmore can be seen and is rumoured to be the ancient burial site of Alexander King of Scots’ wife, Queen Sybilla. To find out more about life on Loch Tay 2,500 years ago, an example of a crannog has been reconstructed on the south side of the loch at the Scottish Crannog Centre and it’s well worth a visit.
Part of the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, Highland Safaris offer incredible Loch Tay Safaris. Skim over the surface of the loch surrounded by the dramatic landscape and hear all the myths and folklore plus stories of the people who have shaped the fabric of the area throughout the ages. They also offer private charters if you’re coming to visit with family or a group of friends.
The loch is also popular for salmon and trout fishing (don’t forget your permit) and watersports, and the banks are home to small, local shops, cafes and delis… and Dewars Distillery isn’t far away either if you fancy a wee dram.
