Loch Ard

Loch Ard is a body of freshwater in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park of the Stirling District in Scotland.OverviewThe name of the loch comes from àird, the Scottish Gaelic word for a promentory, headland, height, ultimately from àrd meaning high. The loch is approximately 4 kilometres long by 2 kilometres wide and runs approximately east-west along a sheltered glen. It is sometimes considered to be the source of the River Forth, although the river's true source is the confluence of its outflow, the Avondhu River, and Duchray Water. Loch Ard lies downstream of Loch Chon. The loch contains several small islands including Eilean Gorm, Briedach, St. Mallo, which is rumored to have an old chapel dedicated to that saint, and Dundochill, which is the site of Duke Murdoch's castle that may have been built by the Duke of Albany. Though one of Scotland's smaller lochs, it is one of the most picturesque and its sheltered location means it is ideal for kayaking and other water sports.LocationThe Queen Elizabeth Forest Park encompasses Loch Ard and the surrounding forest. The waters of Loch Ard are home to both a sailing and rowing club. The villages of Kinlochard, and Milton lie on its shores. The village of Aberfoyle lies 3 kilometres to its east, with the summit of Craigmore behind it, while the mountain of Ben Lomond sits to its west. The northern shores of Loch Ard are dominated by the mountain ridge of Beinn an Fhogharaidh (616 m).