Loch Ard Forest

Inspiring Trossachs

Find inspiration and exhilaration amongst bristly wooded hills and sparkling lochs

Between the outskirts of Aberfoyle and the foothills of Loch Lomond lies the Great Forest of Loch Ard.

The gently corrugated land in the south leading up to the mountainous terrain in the north, together with the sheer scale of the landscape, hides a treasure chest of surprises.

Lochs and lochans

Throughout this forest are many lochs and lochans, from the mighty Loch Chon and Loch Ard to picturesque Lochan a' Ghleannain and tiny Clashmore Loch. Two important rivers - Duchray Water and the Kelty Water - rise here, tumbling down through the forest to join the river Forth.

Fairy stories

There are many stories about Fairies in this area. In the 17th Century a local minister - the Reverend Robert Kirk - upset the Fairies by publishing his book 'The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies'. The Fairies soon took their revenge. On top of Doon Hill stands a solitary Scots pine amid the oak. It is said to contain the tormented soul of the Reverand Kirk, imprisoned by the Fairies as a lesson to others who might have similar thoughts.

Wildlife and plant life

Red & roe deer, capercaillie, red squirrel, woodpecker, blackcock, wood ants, wood wasps, barn owls, and an array of plants and fungi are just a small sample of what awaits the patient visitor.

Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trails

There are 16 miles of trails for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. For full details, see the Loch ard Family Sculpture trails page - the link is on the right hand side of this page.

How to get there:

Loch Ard Forest is part of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Aberfoyle is the nearest town or village.

Take A81 from Glasgow to Aberfoyle, then follow the B829 to Loch Ard.

For public transport information follow the Traveline Scotland link under the Useful sites section opposite.

OS Grid Reference: NN520014