Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is one of the most loch-dense parts of Scotland, and I feel very lucky in saying that it's where I call home. With lots of luscious green forests, sweeping mountains and glassy lochs, it's the perfect playground for any outdoors fanatic; cyclists, trail runners and kayakers, just to name a few.
Whilst some Scottish lochs, such as Loch Lomond and Loch Morlich near Aviemore, can become very busy with day-trippers in the summer months, Loch Ard is somewhat a hidden gem. Stretching roughly two by four kilometres across a sheltered glen, the loch is easy accessible from the village of Aberfoyle. Follow the B829 out of the village, towards Stronachlachar, and after a mile or so you will be following a twisty, narrow road which runs along the loch-side.
Loch Ard is an ideal place to get comfortable paddling a kayak or canoe, with calm flat water and plenty to explore. You can hire sit-on-top kayaks from Go Country, based near Kinlochard, from £15.
To explore the island of Eilean Gorm (which translates from Gaelic to mean 'the blue island'), it's best to park at the lay-by on the left, just after Go Country. Here, hop over the gate and carry your boat around 100 metres over a field, taking care not to disturb any livestock if there is anything grazing there - usually there isn't.
It is a short ten minute paddle from the bank over to Eilean Gorm, but you can take it slow and enjoy the views of the surrounding hills, with Ben Lomond towering in the West.
Despite the island being just 200 metres in length, it has it's own bothy! The stone building doesn't look that promising from the outside, but inside you'll find a surprising amount of space, with a table, chairs, and plenty of space to sit and chat to friends (and hide from the midges!). You might even get lucky and find a stray can of beans dating from 2001 on the shelf. The fireplace comes with firelighters and some newspaper to help you get started, but you'll want to bring your own firewood with you (now there's some incentive not to capsize on the paddle over).
The island is dense with trees, making it perfect for setting up a hammock and having a rest after your paddle across. Alternatively, your friend can spend half an hour teaching you about the ligaments and tendons in your lower legs - whatever floats your boat. There are a few pebbly beaches fringing the island, where you can embark on a swim in the surprisingly warm loch water.
The flat water is great for beginner paddlers, as you can work on basic skills such as paddling in a straight line, sweep strokes, and eskimo rolling if you're feeling brave! Remember to be safe in the water and always wear a buoyancy aid.
If, at the end of your trip, you're feeling peckish, the Wee Blether Tearoom in Kinlochard does the most fantastic cakes and coffees I've ever consumed - ten out of ten would recommend to a friend.
Eilean Gorm is a beautiful island to explore whether it's just for an afternoon or for an overnight stay. The quiet seclusion makes it perfect for a quiet adventure away from the stresses of day to day life - and all you need is a kayak and a paddle!
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