Lake Menteith, Trossachs Travel Guide

Lake Menteith

Lake Menteith, looking towards Ben Aa'n

The answer to many a trivia question, Menteith is the only lake in Scotland (as opposed to 'loch'). Curiously, the designation as a 'lake' is a fairly recent invention; it appears that until Victorian times at least, Menteith was as much 'loch' as all the other similar bodies of water in Scotland! The lake is only 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide.

The easiest access is via the A81 between Aberfoyle and Thornhill. In the centre of Port of Menteith the B8034 branches off the A81, and winds through lovely forest along the shores of the loch ... sorry ... lake. After only a few hundred yards you come to a Historic Scotland parking area and pier.

This is the ferry to Inchmahome Priory, the remains of a 13th century priory on an island in the middle of the lake. The priory was founded by Sir Walter Stewart, first Earl of Menteith. Robert the Bruce visited here, and Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here for several weeks when she was a child. On a nearby island are the ruins of a castle built by the Stewart earls.

Lake Menteith is a popular fishing destination, and boats can be rented at Port of Menteith for this purpose.. Any fine day - and quite a few not-so-fine days - sees boats dotting the waters of the lake. Gray herons hide in the reeds along the waters edge, and ducks and geese nest in abundance.

Early morning in late September

Port Menteith, once a market town, now an attractive hamlet

From Port of Menteith you can get a ferry to an island in the middle of the lake where the ruins of Inchmahome Priory stand

Sunset over Lake Menteith, looking towards Aberfoyle and Ben Venue

More of the same. Its a beautiful spot, blessedly overlooked by tourism.

There is at least one hotel at Port of Menteith, and cottages along the lakeshore for accommodation.

All photos are © David Ross and Britain Express

Trossachs Accommodation

Hotels
Self catering cottages

Ordnance Survey Maps
for the Trossachs - 10% off retail price!

Explorer OS maps (1: 25,000)365 and 364
Landranger OS Maps (1:50,000)057 and 056

Featured Accommodation

Roman Camp

Callander

The Roman Camp Hotel is a quality country house hotel located within 20 secluded acres on the banks of the River Teith, Callander in the heart of the Tossachs National Park. Calladar is an excellent base from which to explore Loch Lomond and also to Stirling with both Glasgow & Edinburg being around 45 minutes away.

Featured Accommodation

Dreadnought Hotel

Callander

Originally built in the XVII century by the Clan McNab, whose motto remains as the hotel's name. The Dreadnought provides a blend of history with modern day comfort and style. An extremely popular hotel locally for bar lunches and functions, the hotel provides consistently high service. Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond, Stirling and many sites of beauty and interest are easily accessible from the Dreadnought.

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