Loch Ard, Lake in Stirling, United Kingdom

Loch Ard is a small freshwater lake in the Trossachs area near Stirling, United Kingdom. It sits in a wooded valley with steep slopes on its southern side and a marshy shore at the northern end, and its surface lies 33 meters (108 feet) above sea level.

Loch Ard was formed by glacial action during the last ice age, which carved the deep valley it now fills. In the 19th century, the surrounding woods were managed for timber, and a small dam was built at the eastern end to regulate the water level.

The name Loch Ard comes from the Gaelic word for 'high', referring to its position above the surrounding valleys. Local people often visit the northern shore for short walks, and the lake appears in stories and songs linked to the Trossachs.

Visitors can reach the lake by a minor road that runs along its northern shore, with a few parking spots near the eastern end. The southern side has no direct road access, so walking or cycling from the nearest village is the usual way to explore that part.

The lake is home to a rare type of char, a fish left behind by the retreating glaciers. This fish survives in the cold, deep water and is rarely seen by visitors.