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Loch Ard Forest


(Average user rating4 unrated 4/5)

About Loch Ard Forest

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.

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.

The area is home to an abundance of wildlife and plant life. Red and 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.

There are 16 miles of trails for cyclists, walkers and horse riders.  There are many features around the trails - see the Loch Ard Sculpture trails page for details.

See the activities section on the Aberfoyle Village Car Park page for more information.

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.

OS Grid Reference: NN520014
For details of public transport visit http://www.travelinescotland.com

Start your visit from:

Lemahamish
Kinlochard
Milton
Ben Venue
Aberfoyle Village Car Park
Drymen Road Car Park
Garadhban car park

Other places to go in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

What's on in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

February

  • Go Ape! at Aberfoyle & speed down the UK's longest zip wire.
    Saturday 13 February 2010 to Monday 15 February 2010
    Wednesday 17 February 2010 to Sunday 21 February 2010
    Saturday 27 February 2010 to Sunday 28 February 2010
    Saturday 6 March 2010 to Sunday 7 March 2010
    Saturday 13 March 2010 to Sunday 14 March 2010
    Saturday 20 March 2010 to Sunday 21 March 2010
    Friday 26 March 2010 to Wednesday 31 March 2010

March

  • Go Ape! at Aberfoyle & speed down the UK's longest zip wire.
    Saturday 13 February 2010 to Monday 15 February 2010
    Wednesday 17 February 2010 to Sunday 21 February 2010
    Saturday 27 February 2010 to Sunday 28 February 2010
    Saturday 6 March 2010 to Sunday 7 March 2010
    Saturday 13 March 2010 to Sunday 14 March 2010
    Saturday 20 March 2010 to Sunday 21 March 2010
    Friday 26 March 2010 to Wednesday 31 March 2010

April

View all events
Mixed woodland autumn colours on the shores on Loch Ard

Facilities:

ToiletsInformationParkingEasy AccessVisitor CentreRefreshments

Activities:

WalkingCyclingHorse RidingCampingPicnic

Contact:

Recreation Team
Cowal & Trossachs
01877 382383
e-mail: cowal&trossachs@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

User Comments

Name: Noden (4 Stars)
30/Aug/2009
fantastic place so beautiful and unspolit just returned after spending 1 week here in a house on the edge of loch Ard no phone signal it was an dream and very relaxing

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What's of interest

Find out more about the Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trails.

Events guide

cover of the Cowal & Trossachs events guide, Spring 2009
Download the full 2009 Queen Elizabeth & Argyll Forest Parks events guide (PDF 1.7Mb).

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.

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