Discover Scotland's hidden gem for stargazing just an hour from Glasgow (2025)

On clear nights, the loch mirrors the night sky, making it a perfect stargazing spot, far enough from the city's light pollution

Just an hour’s drive from Glasgow, one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring stargazing spots is drawing attention, and it’s the perfect place to mark International Dark Sky Week.

Loch Venachar, nestled in the heart of the Trossachs, boasts designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites on both its north and south shores. On a clear night, the still waters mirror the star-studded sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle, Glasgow Live reported. Its location, far enough from the light pollution of Scotland’s Central Belt, makes it an ideal escape for those hoping to reconnect with the cosmos.

International Dark Sky Week, which falls during the new moon in April, was launched in 2003 by Jennifer Barlow, a high school student from Midlothian, Virginia. The week-long event is dedicated to raising awareness of light pollution and encouraging people to embrace the natural beauty of a dark night sky.

April, celebrated as Astronomy Month, offers the perfect opportunity to explore some of the best stargazing spots across Scotland. Loch Venachar, one of six locations singled out by VisitScotland as “stunning stargazing locations,” stands out as a must-visit.

Thanks to the country’s northern latitude and low light pollution, VisitScotland affirms that Scotland is “one of the best places to experience dark skies,” with “some of the darkest and most awe-inspiring night skies in Europe.”

Nestled in the heart of the Trossachs, Loch Venachar lies between the charming town of Callander and the small village of Brig O’ Turk.

It's surrounded by scenic hiking trails that wind through tranquil, wooded hills, making it a prime location for both daytime explorers and night sky enthusiasts.

The loch is described as being “well off the beaten track and far from the glare of city lights,” offering the ideal environment for stargazing.

Both shores of the loch have earned the prestigious Dark Sky Discovery Site designation, recognised for their minimal light pollution and exceptional stargazing conditions.

For those planning an overnight stay, VisitScotland recommends the Loch Venachar Lodges, which offer sleek, black timber cabins with private decks and stunning views of the loch, a peaceful retreat surrounded by “silence and stars.”

According to the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park website, “Loch Venachar lies between the popular tourist town of Callander and the small settlement of Brig o’ Turk.”

The loch itself stretches for 3.7 miles, with its southern shore covered by a large forested area, home to an extensive network of cycling and walking trails.

A 4.5-mile walk leads to a hidden lochan amid the trees, while scenic routes also head west to Loch Achray and the Trossachs.

For cyclists, a moderately challenging 16-mile circuit around Loch Venachar offers a rewarding experience. The first part of the route follows the quiet Invertrossachs Road (part of the National Cycle Network Route 7), and the latter section takes you along the lochside on the Great Trossachs Path.

History buffs will appreciate the historic Invertrossachs House, located on the loch's south shore and famously visited by Queen Victoria in 1869. The area is also home to a sailing club, which offers RYA dinghy and powerboat courses.

Adding to the loch's charm, Portnellan Island in Loch Venachar is home to an Iron Age crannog, a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

There are also other submerged islands in the lochs of Ard, Venachar, and Achray, some of which may be crannogs themselves, adding to the area's rich historical and natural allure.