The routes of the old railway lines now provide many walking and cycling opportunities for visitors. The Route 7 Sustrans National Cycle Network passes through Lochearnhead from Strathyre to Killin along the old railway route and viaducts through Glen Ogle.
Glen Ogle extends for 7 miles north west from Lochearnhead to Lix Toll where it opens into Glen Dochart. You can walk through the glen on a footpath that follows the route of the old Callander and Oban railway to the summit of the glen and Killin junction. You will walk over the Glen Ogle railway viaduct and the route forms part of the Sustrans national cycle route 7.
On the south side of Loch Earn is Edinample Castle built by ‘Black’ Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy in the 17th century. Above is Ben Vorlich, a steep sided pyramid shaped peak, which is a popular climb with spectacular views from the top.
The village has maintained its tourist status and has become a centre of watersports, fishing and annual events including the Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Highland Games, which started in 1870. The Games are held in July.
The annual black faced sheep shearing competition, ‘Lochearnhead Shears’, was established in 1993, growing to become one of the largest sheep shearing competitions in the United Kingdom. The event attracts international competitors, who come to attempt to win the ‘Scottish Blackface Shearing Champion’ title. The competition is held in June and normally culminates in a ceilidh dance.
Did you know? Legend has it that there is a waterhorse, or Each Uisge inhabiting Loch Earn.
Activities
Bliss Trail – Winner of the Scottish Thistle Award trail with various art installations mapped around the four neighbouring villages: Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St. Fillans. Drover’s Bho, Ewen – Westies of Craggen, The Three Sisters and Stan The Stag are names of just some of the sculptures situated in Lochearnhead.
Watersports/ Boating – There is a launching slipway for fishing boats, ski boats windsurfers, and a number of moorings available for the season.
Cycling – Easy access to the Sustrans Route 7 Cycle Network at Lochearnhead.
Fishing – Permits for Loch Earn bank and boat fishing are available at the local shop from 15 March 15 October.
Golf – There is a 9-hole golf course at nearby St. Fillans.
Walking – There are easy walks on designated paths, the Rob Roy Way, Glen Ogle trail or Glen Ample. For the more adventurous try a Munro, our local Munro Ben Vorlich or Stuc a’ Chroin are close by or a short drive away you have Ben Lawers, Ben More, Ben Ledi. Ardvorlich Hill Garden with over 300 varieties of plants offers a pleasant walk on the first slopes of Ben Vorlich.
Events
Balquhidder, Lochearnhed and Strathyre Highland Games
Blackface Sheep Shearing Competition
Loch Earn Swim
For other events in the area see our Events Page