Loch Ard

For other uses, see Loch Ard (disambiguation).

Loch Ard
View west from Ledard
Location	Stirling District, Scotland
Coordinates	56.1830°N 4.4712°W / 56.1830; -4.4712
Type	loch
Primary outflows	River Forth
Basin countries	United Kingdom
Settlements	Kinlochard, Blairhullichan, Ledard, Milton

Loch Ard (Scottish Gaelic: Loch na h-Àirde) is a body of freshwater in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park of the Stirling District in Scotland. (grid reference NN4501.)

Overview

The name of the loch comes from àird, the Scottish Gaelic word for a promentory, headland, height, ultimately from àrd meaning high. The loch is approximately 4 kilometres long by 2 kilometres wide and runs approximately east-west along a sheltered glen. It is sometimes considered to be the source of the River Forth, although the river's true source is the confluence of its outflow, the Avondhu River, and Duchray Water. Loch Ard lies downstream of Loch Chon. The loch contains several small islands including Eilean Gorm, Briedach, St. Mallo, which is rumored to have an old chapel dedicated to that saint, and Dundochill, which is the site of Duke Murdoch's castle that may have been built by the Duke of Albany. Though one of Scotland's smaller lochs, it is one of the most picturesque and its sheltered location means it is ideal for kayaking and other water sports.

Location

The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park encompasses Loch Ard and the surrounding forest. The waters of Loch Ard are home to both a sailing and rowing club. The villages of Kinlochard, and Milton lie on its shores. The village of Aberfoyle lies 3 kilometres to its east, with the summit of Craigmore behind it, while the mountain of Ben Lomond sits to its west. The northern shores of Loch Ard are dominated by the mountain ridge of Beinn an Fhogharaidh (616 m).

Activities

The crystal clear waters of Loch Ard

Loch Ard is surrounded by 16 miles of family friendly mountain bike, walking, and horseback trails. These trails, some with waymarkers, link into a much larger network of forest fire roads, which can take the intrepid rider on 30 km+ circular routes through the Park. The Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trails provide an interactive outdoor experience, with sculptures placed along the trails, interesting seating, and sound posts, among other features.

Loch Ard is also home to many different species of wildlife, such as roe deer, barn owls, capercaillie, and various types of plants and insects. The loch welcomes fishermen with a stock of brown trout, pike, and perch .

Loch Ard, a three-masted, square-rigged clipper ship bore its name. The ship sank off the coast of Australia at what has been known since as Loch Ard Gorge.