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Loch Ard Forest


(Average user rating5 unrated 4.8/5)

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

May

July

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

Facilities:

ToiletsInformationParkingEasy AccessRefreshmentsParking Charge

Activities:

WalkingCyclingHorse RidingCampingPicnic

Contact:

Recreation Team
Cowal & Trossachs
01877 382383
e-mail: cowal&trossachs

User Comments

5 Stars 5 Stars

great trails for walking,beautiful views from the well positioned viewpoints.wil definately be back.

annie, 7/May/2011
5 Stars 5 Stars

What a great place fantastic walking could do with a few more sign posts though took one route ended up on another. Absolutely amazing area will go back.

Anonymous, 11/Apr/2011
5 Stars 5 Stars

took a wrong turn today and ended up walking around 11 miles in total! loved the boxes with the "push button and listen" signs it took me 3 boxes to realise!!! i had a fantastic day!

gordon jack, 8/May/2010
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Find out more about the Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trails.

Queen Elizabeth Forest Park leaflet


cover of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park guide
Download the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park leaflet (PDF 1.3Mb).

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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