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There are plenty of suitable lochs and waterways for beginners to paddleboard in the Trossachs. Below are some of our favourites - we've referenced the launch points using the "what3words" location finder.
If you want a source for alternative locations or are looking further afield than the Trossachs then we strongly recommend "Paddle Scotland: The Best Places to Go with a Paddleboard, Kayak or Canoe" by Alasdair Findlay.
Loch Chon ("loch of the dogs") is one of our favourite spots. Its a smallish loch and is very accessible for beginners with a beach entry at a small bay into shallower water. This bay is protected and is calm even on windier days. Perfect for barbeques whilst not paddleboarding.
Located 5km past Kinlochard on the B829, a single track road with passing places (directions).
Launch Point 1 (recommended) - forestry car park. What3words ref - fuels.facelift.tries
Launch Point 2 - campsite. What3words ref - warned.tradition.twilight
Loch Ard is a very popular destination for watersports for all abilities. As well as the main loch offering 10km of paddling, it is the source of the River Forth which offers a gentle current eastwards ("The Narrows") which can be paddled to 3 smaller lochans.
Located c.4km west of Aberfoyle on the B829, various lay-by's offer parking and access points.
Launch Point (there are others) - small beach over the wall opposite the first lay-by. What3words ref - steps.tripods.unfit
Lemahamish is a small, still pond on the River Forth measuring only c.30m by 15m. We suggest it only if you were an absolute beginner and wanted a small environment to take your first paddleboard "steps". It has a sandy beach but can get busy with dogs, children paddling, etc as it is close to Cobleland campsite.
Located c.0.5k along a forestry track (signposted) which is a right turn off of Station Road which is the northern of the 2 turn offs from the A81 heading to Gartmore (over a small bridge past Cobleland campsite). (directions). You can park in an adjacent Forestry Commission car park.
Launch Point - sandy beach adjacent to car park. What3words ref snail.skyrocket.smarter.
Loch Achray (the "Duke's Loch") is slightly smaller than loch Chon/Ard but is connected to the larger Loch Venachar along the River Turk then the Black Water. These rivers are described as grade 1 so this route is better suited to more intermediate boarders.
Located below Ben Venue, 18km west of Callander, 8km north of Aberfoyle.
Launch Point - Ben Venue car park, across the road via a set of steps. What3words ref - conquests.loopholes.weaned
One of Scotland's best known and busiest lochs, Loch Lomond offers a number of great paddle board opportunities :
Luss Beach - > Luss Pier (close to shore) or to Fraoch Eilean or to Inchtavannach or to Inchconnachan. What3words ref - obliging.slouched.kinks
If you're more experienced and looking for a longer paddle then there are several options to reach the Island of Inchmurrin :
From Arden beach - take 3rd exit off A83 after Duck Bay Marina. Park at large car park at top of single track road and carry board for 300m to water's edge. Quiet open water paddle of c.3km (return) through a quiet marina. What3words ref -snares.pocketed.breed
From Balmaha harbour - launch next to the Oak Tree Inn and its a short paddle. You can also take in the nearby islands of Clairnish and Creinch. What3words ref - financial.spends.reclaimed
