Lochearnhead

The mountains close in around the water here, creating one of Scotland's most dramatic loch-side settings. Lochearnhead sits at the western tip of Loch Earn, where the water narrows and the surrounding peaks feel close enough to touch. This tiny village serves as the gateway to some serious hill walking - Ben Vorlich and Stùc a' Chroin loom directly overhead, while the gentler slopes of Ben Our provide excellent views without the same level of commitment.

Water sports dominate the summer months. The loch stretches eastward for miles, offering sailing, kayaking and fishing in relatively sheltered conditions. When the wind picks up, it's proper exhilarating stuff. The surrounding countryside rewards exploration too - Loch Lubnaig lies just south, accessible via a lovely drive through the Trossachs, while the smaller Lochan a' Chroin offers a quieter alternative for those seeking solitude.

Getting here requires commitment. The A84 winds through Glen Ogle from Callander, about 30 minutes of proper Highland driving with cattle grids and passing places. Stirling is your nearest major town, roughly 45 minutes by car. The village itself amounts to little more than a hotel, a few houses and a car park, but that's rather the point.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense - Loch Earn Leisure Park puts you right on the water's edge, while Balquhidder Braes Holiday Park offers access to the dramatic countryside around nearby Balquhidder Glen. Both serve as excellent bases for exploring this corner of the Trossachs without the expense of Callander or the crowds of the busier tourist spots further south.