Loch Ard Forest from Aberfoyle

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
17 kms	05:00 (hrs:mins)	170 metres	Explorers 365: The Trossachs, & 348: Campsie Fells

Description

This route is a long, but easy, walk on forest tracks in Loch Ard Forest, which passes through coniferous woodland and by the scenic shores of Loch Ard, nestled in the Trossachs, and gives interesting views of Ben Lomond and her outliers from the east. The pine forest, interspersed with native trees, has plenty of surprises.

Follow the B829 to Milton and go left, passing the forest car park, to take the loch shore track. Further on, swing south-east before going west again under Bad Dearg.

At the Victorian Loch Katrine-Glasgow aqueduct, the route turns and follows the aqueduct south to Duchray Water. At a T-junction, after Blairvach, go left and take the next left, passing Duchary Castle and pretty Lochan Spling on a long track, before finishing at Kirkton, by Aberfoyle, where there are plenty of cafes and other facilities.

Access Info

By car: Aberfoyle can be reached on Glasgow by travelling north on Maryhill Road and the A81. From the east or north, travel to Callander on the A84 (T), then take the A81 west to Aberfoyle. Aberfoyle is a kilometre off the A81, on the A821. There is parking in the square at Aberfoyle, by the Tourist Information Centre.
By train: There is no train service to Aberfoyle.
By bus: First Bus operates a regular bus service (10/11/C11) from Glasgow to/from Stirling via Balfron and Aberfoyle.

Additional Info

Loch Ard Forest is a working forest managed by Forest Enterprise, and some forest tracks may be closed. You should check that the route is open before going - the Forest District Office can be reached on 01877 382383 or 01877 382258. Also for this reason, be aware that areas may be cleared when you walk the route that weren't at the time of writing.

The aqueduct detailed above is an impressive sight, built to last over a hundred years ago by the Victorians. It supplies the city of Glasgow with very high quality drinking water from Loch Katrine, which is a little further north.