Loch Ard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Ard |
|
|---|---|
Above Drumlean, looking down the hillside to Loch Ard
|
|
 Loch Ard
Location in Stirling
|
|
| Coordinates | 56°10′59″N 4°28′16″W / 56.1830°N 4.4712°W |
| Type | freshwater loch |
| Primary outflows | River Forth |
| Max. length | 3.75 km (2.33 mi) |
| 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 is a beautiful freshwater loch (that's a Scottish word for a lake!) located in the stunning Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in Scotland. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic words for 'high' or 'headland'. This peaceful loch is a popular spot for outdoor adventures and enjoying nature.
Contents
Discovering Loch Ard's Features
Loch Ard is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long and 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide. It stretches from east to west in a quiet valley. Many people think it's where the River Forth begins. However, the River Forth actually starts where the Avondhu River (which flows out of Loch Ard) meets the Duchray Water. Loch Ard is also downstream from another loch called Loch Chon.
Islands and History
Loch Ard has several small islands. These include Eilean Gorm, Briedach, and St. Mallo. There's a story that St. Mallo island once had an old chapel. Another island, Dundochill, is believed to be the site of a castle built by the Duke of Albany long ago. Even though it's one of Scotland's smaller lochs, Loch Ard is very scenic. Its calm waters make it perfect for activities like kayaking and other water sports.
Where is Loch Ard Located?
Loch Ard and the forests around it are part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. This park is a great place to explore nature.
Nearby Villages and Mountains
On the shores of Loch Ard, you'll find the villages of Kinlochard and Milton. The town of Aberfoyle is just 3 kilometers (2 miles) to the east. Behind Aberfoyle is the hill called Craigmore. To the west of the loch, you can see the famous mountain Ben Lomond. The northern side of Loch Ard is overlooked by the mountain ridge of Beinn an Fhogharaidh, which is 616 meters (2,021 feet) tall.
Fun Activities at Loch Ard
Loch Ard is a fantastic place for outdoor fun! There are 26 kilometers (16 miles) of trails around the loch. These trails are great for mountain biking, walking, and even horseback riding. Some trails have markers to help you find your way. These paths connect to a bigger network of forest roads, allowing for circular routes over 30 kilometers (18 miles) long through the park.
Sculpture Trails and Wildlife
The Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trails offer a unique outdoor experience. Along these trails, you'll find interesting sculptures, special seating areas, and sound posts. It's a fun way to explore and interact with nature.
Loch Ard is also home to many different kinds of wildlife. You might spot roe deer, barn owls, and capercaillie. There are also various types of plants and insects. The loch's waters are full of fish, including brown trout, pike, and perch.
A Ship Named Loch Ard
Did you know a famous ship was named after Loch Ard? It was a large, three-masted sailing ship called the Loch Ard. Sadly, this ship sank off the coast of Australia. The place where it sank is now known as Loch Ard Gorge.
