Loch Ard

Loch Ard (Scottish Gaelic: Loch na h-Àirde) is a loch, located in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Stirling council area, Scotland.[1][2]

For other uses, see Loch Ard (disambiguation).
Loch Ard
Above Drumlean, looking down the hillside to Loch Ard
Loch Ard
Locationgrid reference NN465016
Coordinates56.1830°N 4.4712°W / 56.1830; -4.4712
Typefreshwater loch
Primary outflowsRiver Forth
Max. length3.75 km (2.33 mi)[1]
Max. width0.6 km (0.37 mi)[1]
Surface area213.7 ha (528 acres)[2]
Average depth13 m (44 ft)[1]
Max. depth33 m (107 ft)[1]
Water volume33,000,000 m3 (1,150,000,000 cu ft)[1]
Shore length111.8 km (7.3 mi)[2]
Surface elevation36 m (118 ft)[2]
SettlementsKinlochard, Blairhullichan, Ledard, Milton
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Overview

The name of the loch comes from àird, the Scottish Gaelic word for a promontory, headland, height, ultimately from àrd meaning high. The loch is approximately 4 by 2 km (2.5 by 1.2 mi) in size and runs east-west along a sheltered glen. It is sometimes considered to be the source of the River Forth,[3] although the river's true source is the confluence of its outflow, the Avondhu River, and Duchray Water.[4] Loch Ard lies downstream of Loch Chon. The loch contains several small islands including Eilean Gorm, Briedach, St. Mallo, which is rumoured to have an old chapel dedicated to that saint, and Dundochill, which is the site of Duke Murdoch's castle that may have been built by the Duke of Albany.[5] Though one of Scotland's smaller lochs, it is one of the most picturesque and its sheltered location means it is ideal for kayaking and other water sports.

Location

The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park encompasses Loch Ard and the surrounding forest.[6] The waters of Loch Ard are home to both a sailing and rowing club. The villages of Kinlochard, and Milton lie on its shores. The village of Aberfoyle lies 2 miles (3 km) to its east, with the summit of Craigmore behind it, while the mountain of Ben Lomond sits to its west. The northern shores of Loch Ard are dominated by the mountain ridge of the 616-metre (2,021 ft) tall Beinn an Fhogharaidh.

Activities
The crystal clear waters of Loch Ard

Loch Ard is surrounded by 16 miles (26 km) of family-friendly mountain bike, walking, and horseback trails.[7] These trails, some with waymarkers, link into a much larger network of forest fire roads, which can take the rider on 30 km+ circular routes through the park. The Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trails provide an interactive outdoor experience, with sculptures placed along the trails, interesting seating, and sound posts, among other features.[8]

Loch Ard is also home to many different species of wildlife, such as roe deer, barn owls, capercaillie, and various types of plants and insects.[9] The loch also has a large stock of brown trout, pike, and perch.[10]

Loch Ard, a three-masted, square-rigged clipper ship bore its name. The ship sank off the coast of Australia at what has been known since as Loch Ard Gorge.[11]

References
  1. John, Murray; Lawrence, Pullar (1910). Bathymetrical Survey of the Fresh-Water Lochs of Scotland, 1897-1909 Lochs of the Forth Basin Volume II - Loch of Butterstone. National Library of Scotland: National Challenger Officer. p. 15. Retrieved 12 May 2018. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. "Loch Ard". British Lakes. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  3. "Loch Ard". Webs and Nets. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  4. Hendrie, William F. The Trossachs: History and Guide. Tempus: 2004. p. 101
  5. "Tour Loch Ard, Tour Scotland". Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  6. "Loch Ard Forest". Crown Copyright. 2010. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  7. "Loch Ard Forest". Crown Copyright. 2010. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  8. "Loch Ard family sculpture trails". Crown Copyright. 2010. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  9. "Loch Ard Forest". Crown Copyright. 2010. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  10. "Loch Ard". Landmark Press. 2010. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  11. "Culture and heritage". Parks Victoria. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
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