Loch Venachar (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Bheannchair^[1]) is a freshwater loch in Stirling district, Scotland.

Quick Facts Location, Coordinates ...

Loch Venachar
Early morning view
Loch Venachar
Location	Callander, Perthshire, Scotland
Coordinates	56.22076°N 4.30226°W / 56.22076; -4.30226
Type	freshwater loch
Primary inflows	Black Water
Primary outflows	Eas Gobhain
Basin countries	United Kingdom
Max. length	6 km (3.7 mi)
Max. depth	33 m (108 ft)
Surface elevation	82 m (269 ft)

Close

The loch is situated between Callander and Brig o' Turk. It lies approximately 82 metres (269 ft) above sea level, and is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) long^[2] with a maximum depth of approximately 33 metres (108 ft).^[3]

The Black Water discharges from Loch Achray into the western end of Loch Venachar, and at the eastern end emerges the Eas Gobhain which joins with the Garbh Uisge (River Leny) at Callander to form the River Teith. A small dam, which controls the water level, was built in the 19th century by John F. Bateman and is now a Listed building.^[4]

An island in the loch, Portnellan island, is an Iron Age crannog and has been designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.^[2]

The south shore of the loch is covered by woodland containing numerous forest tracks, some leading over the hills to the Lake of Menteith and some leading westward along the loch to Loch Achray and the Trossachs. Invertrossachs House, which was visited by Queen Victoria in 1869, is also located on the south shore.^[5]

Venachar sailing club is accessible from the Invertrossachs private road. This sailing club uses the loch for regular racing events between March and October.^[6] To the North of the loch is Ben Ledi, which at 879 metres (2,884 ft) is classified as a Corbett.^[7]

A brown trout stocking programme recommenced in 2016 under the management of the Loch Venachar Association and the loch also has stocks of pike, salmon, sea trout and perch.^[8] Fishing is available, by permit, from the shore and by boat.^[3]