Loch Venachar is 6 miles long and lies between Callander and Brig o' Turk. The Black Water empties from Loch Achray into the western end of Loch Venachar and at its eastern end emerges the River Teith. On its south shore stands the mansion of Invertrossachs which was visited by Queen Victoria in 1869. It was the Victorian obsession with hunting that lead to a culture of raptor persecution and the extinction of ospreys, kites, sea eagles and hen harriers in Scotland. It’s taken over 120 years and hundreds of thousands of pounds to get these species back. Ospreys use the Loch to fish, along with humans. Thankfully, fishermen generally welcome the presence of ospreys.

Loch Venachar is, in fact, the base for Trossachs Leisure, which offers great brown trout and pike fishing, and boat hire. As well as staff on hand to advise on fishing, and recent osprey sightings, Spring 2006 will see the opening of a brand new loch-side café and shop, with interpretation on angling, birds and other wildlife on display.