Heading to Perthshire is a no-brainer for anyone who loves the outdoors. Beautiful colours at all times of year, lots of lochs to play in and trails to explore, the adventures are never ending. In it’s centre is Loch Tay, Scotland’s largest volume loch and one of my personal favourites. With the small village of Killin at its South end offering heaps of accommodation and food options, this is the perfect place to base your next adventure trip.
Loch Tay Activities
Kayaking and Watersports
Loch Tay is a very versatile loch, that you can explore whether paddling in a kayak or a paddleboard. It has calm areas, especially in good weather, but in windier weather its large size can offer some trickier conditions for those of a higher skill level. There are fisheries to explore, the Crannogs to paddle through and calm streams to drift along.
If you don’t have your own boards or boats, fear not, as The Killin Outdoor Centre can offer kayak hire, with all the necessities included.
Swimming
If you’re around on the rare hot summers day, have a refreshing swim in the water! Do keep in mind that Loch Tay is very deep and can be cold even on warmer days. Take your time, go with a friend and read up on outdoor swimming if you are new to it. The Outdoor Swimming Society have lots of safe swimming tips and the RNLI has this page dedicated to the prevention of drowning.
Cycling
Maybe you prefer to witness the glistening loch from the sidelines, keeping dry. The terrain around Loch Tay makes for brilliant cycling routes. Why not cycle the full length of the loch, from Killin to Kenmore? The Killin Outdoor Centre also offers bike hire too.
Hiking
You can’t miss the Falls of Dochart. Right in the heart of Killin, these waterfalls roar after heavy rainfall and are brilliant for a bit of (careful) paddling.
Admiring Loch Tay and broader Pertshire from the top of a mountain is pretty awesome. The trail up Ben Lawers is very easy to access from Killin, as is Ben Chonzie. Both of these are Munros, so be prepared with all of your hillwalking essentials.
For a shorter half-day hike, don’t miss the hill that towers over Killin. It took me years of visiting Killin before I took any notice to the small but steep Stron a’ Chlachain hill, but it’s a great short hike.
Where To Stay in Killin and Loch Tay
Camping
For those who love the fresh air vibe in the comfort of your own tent, consider Cruachan Campsite. It has all the facilities you need, including n on-site restaurant for your post-adventure grub, but is a large enough site that you can still have your own space.
Loch Tay Lodges, Glamping & Camping
Who wouldn’t want to wake up right on the banks of Loch Tay? The Loch Tay Highland Lodges are perfectly situated at a marina, so you can start your watersports fun straight out your front door. They offer a whole range of accommodation options, from glamping pods to wooden lodges to premium homes.
BnB and Hotels in Killin
There are lots of options for accommodation in Killin village, but I highly recommend looking at the Dall Lodge BnB. Monica is a welcoming host, the rooms are bright and clean, and many have views looking over the start of the loch. Best of all is the delicious variety of breakfast choices (because food is life right?).
Food & Drink in Killin
You’ve finished your activities for the day, and are enjoying cold pints while enjoying sunset over the water. Sound idyllic?
The Killin Hotel has a wonderful outdoor seating area for sunny evenings, while you enjoy their delicious fresh food overlooking the river you’ve just been paddling in.
Or enjoy some classic pub grub while overlooking the Falls of Dochart at the Falls of Dochart Inn.
However you’re enjoying your visit to Loch Tay, the options are endless when it comes to adventures, good food and a cosy place to rest your head.
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