Loch Ard
Forest walks near Aberfoyle and Kinlochard
Verdict
Go for easy-going woodland and loch-shore walking close to Aberfoyle, with four waymarked trails and a free car park.
Skip if you want a summit view or a quick stroll: the trails run from 1 to 5.5 hours, and the Eight Mile Loop is strenuous. Try Ben Venue for a hill.
- Milton car park. The Loch Ard Forest car park, off the B829 west of Aberfoyle. No charge to park.
- Loch Ard. The sculpture trail runs by the shores of Loch Ard, Little Loch Ard and Lochan a' Ghleannin.
- Lochan Spling. The Lochan Spling Trail loops around this small loch through mixed woodland.
- Parking
- Free
- Sculpture Trail
- 6.7 km
- Sculpture time
- 2.5 h
- Grade
- Moderate
Today: 11°C and showers, sunset 18:21. Weekends and school holidays are busiest. Go early.
Loch Ard in photos
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Is it for me?
Loch Ard Forest has four waymarked trails run by Forestry and Land Scotland, from the 3.4 km Forth Valley Viewpoint Trail to the 13.8 km Eight Mile Loop. The 6.7 km Loch Ard Sculpture Trail takes about 2.5 hours and passes woodland sculptures beside Loch Ard, Little Loch Ard and Lochan a' Ghleannin. The forest car park is free and lies about a mile west of Aberfoyle on the B829 towards Kinlochard. Check the month-by-month weather before you plan a long day.
- Beginners
- Yes. The Forth Valley and Lochan Spling trails are 1 to 1.5 hours and graded moderate, and the Sculpture Trail is a good first longer walk.
- Children
- The forestry page says the trails suit family strolls and cycle rides, with wildlife and sculptures to spot along the way.
- Dogs
- The forestry pages do not set dog rules. Keep dogs close, on a lead near livestock or wildlife, and follow any signs.
- Buggies
- Not checked. The forestry pages give no surface details, so ask at Aberfoyle or look at the track before you commit.
- Grade
- Three trails are graded moderate and the Eight Mile Loop is graded strenuous. All are on waymarked forest routes.
- Navigation
- The trails are waymarked. Take a photo of the trail panel at the car park and carry the Forestry and Land Scotland map.
Map of the area
- Milton car park. The Loch Ard Forest car park, off the B829 west of Aberfoyle. No charge to park.
- Loch Ard. The sculpture trail runs by the shores of Loch Ard, Little Loch Ard and Lochan a' Ghleannin.
- Lochan Spling. The Lochan Spling Trail loops around this small loch through mixed woodland.
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Open in maps
The four trails
-
Forth Valley Viewpoint Trail
Climbs through conifers to a viewpoint above Aberfoyle, with views of the wider Forth Valley and the Menteith, Ochil, Gargunnock and Fintry hills.
-
Lochan Spling Trail
Climbs gently through mixed woodland and loops around Lochan Spling. Watch for jays, crossbills and damselflies, and possibly ospreys, and for the wildlife sculptures.
-
Loch Ard Sculpture Trail
Explores the shores of Loch Ard, Little Loch Ard and Lochan a' Ghleannin. Foxes, eagles and squirrels are among the woodland sculptures along the way.
-
Eight Mile Loop
A long forest loop along the loch shore, with views of Ben Venue and Ben Lomond. Treat it as a full day and take food and water.
Parking & getting there
Milton car park, Loch Ard Forest (Forestry and Land Scotland)
- Where
- Heading west from the centre of Aberfoyle, go straight on along the B829 towards Kinlochard. After 1 mile watch for the Loch Ard Forest sign on the left. Nearest postcode FK8 3TF.
- Price
- No charge to park.
- Toilets
- None at the forest. Public toilets are in Aberfoyle.
- Facilities
- Picnic area and cycling at the forest, with a campsite nearby. Horses are welcome.
- In Aberfoyle
- Aberfoyle Riverside car park is free according to the destination site, with public toilets including a Changing Places facility.
- Closures
- The forestry page has carried closure notices for resurfacing, so check it before you travel.
Last checked 13 Oct 2026
Car-free
The Trossachs Explorer links Aberfoyle and Callander. We did not find a bus to the forest car park, which is about a mile west of the village, so check Traveline Scotland before you rely on one. For parking elsewhere around the park, see the loch-side parking guide, and for the full picture see train, bus and waterbus options.
When it is busy
Editorial estimate of a typical summer day, on the path and at the start. These are not measured counts.
| Day | 8:00 | 9:00 | 10:00 | 11:00 | 12:00 | 13:00 | 14:00 | 15:00 | 16:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | Quiet | Quiet | Quiet | Quiet | Steady | Steady | Steady | Quiet | Quiet |
| Saturday | Quiet | Steady | Steady | Steady | Busy | Busy | Busy | Steady | Steady |
| Sunday | Quiet | Steady | Steady | Steady | Busy | Busy | Busy | Steady | Steady |
Q QuietS SteadyB BusyF Car park full
Tip: go early on a summer weekend, when the free car park is most likely to fill.
Call it off if
- There are closure notices for the car park or the trails: check the Forestry and Land Scotland page.
- It is late in the day: the Eight Mile Loop takes about 5.5 hours.
- Strong wind is forecast: trees and branches can be hazardous in a forest.
- Rain has soaked the forest tracks and you are in light shoes.
- You wanted a summit view: choose a hill such as Ben Venue instead.
Make a day of it
Morning
The Sculpture Trail
- Early Park at Milton and set off on the Loch Ard Sculpture Trail.
- +2.5 h Back at the car park, after the foxes, eagles and squirrels.
Midday
Lochan Spling
- After The Lochan Spling Trail takes about 1.5 hours for a second, gentler loop.
- Lunch Drive back to Aberfoyle for food, toilets and bike hire.
Afternoon
Fairy tale and treetops
- Option Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe is a 6.5 km circular walk of about 2 hours from the eastern end of Aberfoyle car park.
- Option For something different, see what to expect at Go Ape Aberfoyle, or browse more walks around the loch.
Where to stay near Loch Ard
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Questions people ask
Where is the Loch Ard Forest car park?
Milton car park is on the B829 about a mile west of Aberfoyle, towards Kinlochard. The nearest postcode is FK8 3TF, and a Loch Ard Forest sign marks the turn on the left.
Is parking free at Loch Ard?
Yes. Forestry and Land Scotland say there is no charge to park at Milton car park. Check the forestry page for closure notices.
What walks are there at Loch Ard?
Four waymarked trails: the Forth Valley Viewpoint Trail (3.4 km), the Lochan Spling Trail (4.2 km), the Loch Ard Sculpture Trail (6.7 km) and the Eight Mile Loop (13.8 km).
How long is the Loch Ard Sculpture Trail?
It is 6.7 km (4.25 miles) and takes about 2.5 hours. It is graded moderate and passes sculptures of foxes, eagles and squirrels.
Can you cycle at Loch Ard?
Yes. The forestry page says the trails are ideal for cycle rides, and cycling and bike hire are available in Aberfoyle. Check the notice board for rules on each route.
Where are the toilets for Loch Ard?
Not at the forest. Public toilets are in Aberfoyle, including at Aberfoyle Riverside car park.
Can I get to Loch Ard without a car?
The Trossachs Explorer links Aberfoyle and Callander, but we did not find a bus to the forest car park. Check Traveline Scotland and plan a walk or cycle from the village.
Where can I stay near Loch Ard?
Aberfoyle is the nearest village base. Browse Aberfoyle hotels and B&Bs for the options.