Loch Ard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Ard |
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Above Drumlean, looking down the hillside to Loch Ard
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 Loch Ard
Location in Stirling
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| Location | Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park |
| Coordinates | 56°10′59″N 4°28′16″W / 56.1830°N 4.4712°W |
| Type | Freshwater loch |
| Native name | Loch na h-Àirde (Scottish Gaelic) |
| Primary outflows | River Forth |
| Basin countries | Scotland |
| Max. length | 3.75 km (2 mi 581 yd) |
| Max. width | 0.6 km (0.37 mi) |
| Surface area | 213.7 ha (528 acres) |
| Average depth | 13 m (44 ft) |
| Max. depth | 33 m (107 ft) |
| Water volume | 33,000,000 m3 (1,150,000,000 cu ft) |
| Shore length1 | 11.8 km (7.3 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 36 m (118 ft) |
| Settlements | Kinlochard, Blairhullichan, Ledard, Milton |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Loch Ard (which is pronounced 'Lock Ard') is a beautiful freshwater loch (the Scottish word for a lake!). It is located in the stunning Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in Scotland. This special place is found within the Stirling council area. Loch Ard is known for its amazing scenery and fun outdoor activities, making it a perfect spot for young adventurers to explore.
Contents
Discovering Loch Ard: A Scottish Lake
What's in a Name?
The name Loch Ard comes from the Scottish Gaelic word àird. This word means 'promontory', 'headland', or 'height'. It is related to the word àrd, which means 'high'. So, the name gives us a clue about the landscape around the loch!
Exploring Loch Ard's Features
Loch Ard stretches about 3.75 kilometers (2.3 miles) long and 0.6 kilometers (0.4 miles) wide. It lies in a peaceful valley that runs from east to west. Many people consider Loch Ard to be the starting point of the famous River Forth. However, the river truly begins where the Avondhu River (which flows out of Loch Ard) meets the Duchray Water. Loch Ard is also connected to Loch Chon, which is located upstream.
The loch has several small islands. These include Eilean Gorm, Briedach, and St. Mallo. There is a story that St. Mallo island once had an old chapel dedicated to a saint. Another island, Dundochill, is home to the remains of what might have been Duke Murdoch's castle. Even though it is one of Scotland's smaller lochs, Loch Ard is very beautiful. Its calm waters make it a great place for activities like kayaking and other water sports.
Nature and Wildlife
The area around Loch Ard is full of amazing wildlife! You might spot animals like roe deer quietly moving through the trees. Look up, and you could see barn owls flying silently at dusk. The rare capercaillie, a large type of grouse, also lives here. The loch and its surrounding forests are home to many different kinds of plants and insects too.
If you enjoy fishing, Loch Ard is a fantastic spot. Its waters are home to a good number of brown trout, pike, and perch. It is a great place to learn about freshwater ecosystems.
Fun Activities Around the Loch
Loch Ard is part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. This park offers many exciting ways to explore the outdoors. There are about 16 kilometers (10 miles) of trails perfect for families. You can go mountain biking, walking, or even horseback riding. Some trails have special markers to guide you. These trails also connect to a bigger network of forest roads, allowing for circular routes over 30 kilometers (18 miles) long!
A special feature is the Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trails. These trails offer an interactive outdoor experience. You will find interesting sculptures, unique seating areas, and even sound posts along the way. It is a fun way to combine art with nature.
On the water, Loch Ard is a popular place for sailing and rowing. There are clubs dedicated to these sports right on the loch's shores. The villages of Kinlochard and Milton are located along the loch. Nearby, about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) to the east, is the village of Aberfoyle. You can also see the hills of Craigmore and the famous Ben Lomond from different parts of the loch. The northern side of Loch Ard is overlooked by the 616-meter (2,021-foot) tall mountain ridge called Beinn an Fhogharaidh.
The Story of a Ship
Did you know a famous ship was named after Loch Ard? The Loch Ard was a large, three-masted clipper ship. Clippers were fast sailing ships used in the past. Sadly, this ship sank off the coast of Australia. The place where it sank has been known ever since as Loch Ard Gorge. It is a reminder of the loch's connection to maritime history!
 | Misty Copeland |
 | Raven Wilkinson |
 | Debra Austin |
 | Aesha Ash |
