Lake of Menteith Stand Up Paddleboarding

The Lake of Menteith is a special place steeped in history and spirituality. I quickly added it to my SUP-it list. It is such a quite and atmospheric place for Stand Up Paddlboarding and certainly didn’t disappoint. The bet place to park is a little bit tucked away. It still manages to be a popular place for picnicking and swimming. On a nice day it would certainly pay to get there early.

The Main Points 

• Location – Lake of Mentieth, Stirling Shire Scotland
• SUP – Own Fatstick Inflatables, 10′ Pink Panther and 10’6″ Blue Lagoon 
• Cost – Free parking
• Conditions – Freshwater lake (loch) with islands
• Other users – Fishing boats and small passenger ferry to Inchmaholme Island
• Entry Point – Sandy/ pebbly beach,
• Surrounding amenities/Bathrooms- there is a bathroom and small shop on Inchmaholme which is an Historic Scotland site with an entrance fee. More amenities are located at the town of Aberfoyle.

Getting There – Map

Current Weather Conditions

Stand Up Paddleboarding on the Lake of Mentieth

The Lake of Mentieth has a really mystical feeling to it. I first visited in October to see the Priory upon the Lake/Lochs largest island Inchmaholme. Inchmaholm Priory is now in an advances stage of ruin but still gives a sense of seclusion and retreat from the world. The Priory was built back in 1238 and you can still feel how tranquil it must have been. The site is managed by Historic Scotland who charge a fee for the ferry ride to the island.

Some notable Scottish figures have visited Inchmaholme. Mary Queen of Scots visited at the age of four with her mother. They were seeking safety from the ongoing wars of the ‘Rough Wooing’ where-in she was betrothed to Edward VI of England. During his rule as King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce also visited on three occasions.

The Reformation saw the cessation of monastic life in 1560 and the priory become a mausoleum. Sir Walter Scott was instrumental in encouraging visitors to seek out the romantic and wild Scottish landscapes in the 1800’s which saw the island become a popular destination.

Today the Lake is part of the fisheries department. There are many small craft upon the lake which is a popular place for fishing. Curling is played on the lake during winter. Players slide granite stones towards a target on the lakes frozen surface.

FIND BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO SUP