Outdoor Adventures, Lochawe
Welcome to your wild-playground: the shores and hills of Loch Awe in Argyll. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed boat spin, casting a line, plunging into cool waters, scrambling up rock walls or bagging a Munro, Loch Awe delivers. Base yourself at the welcoming Ben Cruachan Inn in Lochawe Village (and their Garden Suites) for easy access to it all.
Boating & Loch Explorations
Loch Awe is ideal for water-based adventures. Hire a row, motor, or cabin boat, kayak or canoe and explore the loch’s unspoilt shoreline, hidden islands, crannogs and ruins.
Would you like a guide? Try Water Adventures on Lochawe.
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Tip: Set off from the Lochawe village end, off the jetty for early calm waters and stunning vistas.
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Wildlife watch: Keep your eyes peeled for ospreys, deer on the banks, otters and eagles.
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Photo stop: pull into Kilchurn Castle and soak in the reflections of the hills in the still water.
Staying at Ben Cruachan Inn means you can walk straight to the loch’s edge in minutes and launch your day of boating with breakfast just behind you.
Fishing for Brown Trout, Pike & More
Loch Awe is world-renowned as a fishing destination. Anglers come seeking legendary brown trout, ferox trout, pike and salmon‐runs.
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Permit required: Fishing here is regulated—ensure you’ve got the correct permit to avoid surprises. Get yours here
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Best spots: Areas near the loch’s end at Kilchurn and surrounding offer an bankside advantage.
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Stay tip: After a full morning of fishing, return to Ben Cruachan Inn’s comfortable rooms (or Garden Suites) to relax, swap stories and plan your evening.
Wild Swimming & Flat-Water Dips
For those who want to get into the water the non-boat way, Loch Awe offers clean, fresh loch swimming in quiet bays and pebbly beaches. Secluded pools and river access is also available from Glen Orchy Community Gardens WANDER SOMEWHERE+1
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Safety first: The loch is large, and even calm sections can change quickly—stick to known access points, wear a life jacket if you venture from shore and check weather/loch conditions.
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Ideal spots: West-shore bays and woodland fringes offer more secluded access.
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Recovery: After your dip, unwind with a warm drink at the Ben Cruachan Inn.
Practical Notes and Local Tips
- Getting there: Lochawe is accessible by train from Glasgow to Loch Awe station, or by car via the A85.
- Best season: Late spring to early autumn is ideal for long days, better weather. Early morning or evening sessions often deliver calm water or golden light.
- Loch Awe is large, remote in parts. Let someone know your plan, carry a phone (though signal may be patchy), check weather forecast.
- Linking your day: Start with breakfast at Ben Cruachan Inn → Boat or fishing session → Lunch at the Inn or a packed picnic → Afternoon hike or swim → Evening relax & meal.