The Wild Spa : Loch Venachar, Callander

K
Mar 2
2 min read

Updated: Mar 3

The Wild Spa is part of the venue Venachar Lochside, set on the Trossachs Trail between Callander and Aberfoyle. In the heart of Stirlingshire, this wild sauna offers beautiful views of the mountains surrounding Loch Venachar.

Wooden lodge and tipi illuminated by string lights at night, lakeside with raindrops visible. Atmosphere is cozy and inviting. — The Wild Spa at Loch Venachar

Our Wild Sauna Visit

We visited The Wild Spa timed for sunset and were treated to a classic Scottish sky of grey clouds and not a peep of sun. However, the moody loch and atmospheric lighting outside made our experience tranquil and relaxing. I think this view would look good in any weather.

Guide to Facilities

Parking

Park at the Venachar Lochside car park.

Changing

There is a section of a garage/store room next to the sauna for changing. Inside, there was also 3 compact changing spaces separated by lightweight fabric partitions. You can leave your belongings here. It is possible to hire towels, dry robe or sliders from the venue. Toilets are in the main restaurant building.

Host

Check in is at the restaurant reception. Restaurant staff double up as sauna hosts. We were given a brief orientation on the layout of the space. More guidance on comfort and safety would have been welcome especially as several other users were first-timers. The host returned to tell us when our session was over.

The Hot Bit

There is an inner door stopping heat escaping and providing a helpful spot to hang towels and leave water bottles etc. This entry space is unfortunately carpeted and therefore wet. Two tiered U-shaped benches provide seating for 8 in this electric sauna. The large picture window at the far end has a fantastic view straight over Loch Venachar and the peaks of Ben Venue. There is no sand timer in the sauna but there is a clock just outside.

The Cold Bit

There are several options for cooling down. Directly outside the sauna is a cold plunge bath maintained at a chilly 3°. This deceptively deep and could do with a step on the inside to aid getting in and out. The wilder option is to enjoy the lochside location with a dip in the calm waters of Loch Venachar itself. There is a metal walkway with handrail to guide you down to the water along with a ladder at the end to help with getting in and out. Footwear is recommended for the metal walkway to avoid sore feet. For a gentler cool down, enjoy the view over the loch on the benches outside the sauna.

Food/Drinks Nearby

Water and cups were available in the entry area of the sauna. The sauna is part of the wider venue of Venachar Lochside with it's restaurant offering sauna go-ers a 5% discount. When booking your visit to the sauna you can add on some extras, one of which is a selection of healthy drinks (fresh juice, herbal tea and a beetroot shot) or the more inviting on our wet wintery visit was the hot chocolate. We enjoyed ours inside the restaurant before making our way home.