If you liked the island hopping round Loch Lomond visit Loch Ard near Aberfoyle for some more. 

Situated North - West of Stirling or South of Doune travel along the A821 to Aberfoyle.   You’ll come to a junction, turn right along the A873.  Once you come into Aberfoyle you’ll pass the tourist information on the left hand side, about 10-20 meters after that the road will sweep 90 deg' to the right.  At this point take the road straight ahead, the B829, and pass through Milton.  You’ll pass a school and the road will get tighter.  After a short while you’ll drive down a small hill and Loch Ard will immediately present itself to you.  The open water will be obvious.  Park on the right hand side in the lay by.  Walk back to the small rocky bay, this is your get in, grid NN 478 016.

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service.
Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and
Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland 

Loch Ard has a couple of treats for the explorers among you. 

Duke Murdoch’s Castle (or the remains of it) is set in a cluster of small islands at grid NN472 014.  The remains is also known as Dundochill.  It is said to be built by Murdoch, Duke of Albany, uncle of James 1st of Scotland, or by his ancestors.  It’s not known the exact date of construction, however it is estimated it was built in the early 15th century. 

Eilean Gorm island at grid NN 457 015.  The larger island on the Loch it has a wee bothy and is fabulous to explore. 

When you reach the get in get yourself and kit ready for a paddle that’ll last the best part of the day, depending on how long you stop or explore the islands. 

At the time of writing, from the get in, paddle some 20 meters to an iron cross, visible to the left, as you stand on the pebble beach.  It’s a bit of fun, and you can wait there whilst the others in your party are getting ready.  Careful though it’s a wee bit shallow there. 
Once your group is ready paddle some 800 meters to the group of four islands, or so, to grid NN 472 014.  There’s not much to see, if any, but the main island is where the Dukes Castle was built.  This is a great spot to get off and stretch your legs, explore, get some pictures and just paddle in and around the islands. 

From here continue along the Loch towards Eilean Gorm Island, grid NN 457 015.  If you have timed it well enough, you’ll want to have some lunch here.  If it’s a nice day spend some time on the island and explore.  If it’s raining there is a small bothy on the island.  Take shelter in there and eat your sandwiches.  The island is quite mystical, let your imagination run and soak up the surroundings. 

Once you have had your fill of the islands head back towards the cars. 

If you have some novice paddlers or beginners on the trip paddling to Eilean Gorm, might be a bit far away for them.  However, if the weather is fair then a trip to the cluster of four islands should be manageable, providing there are suitably experienced paddlers in the group.