Aspen Path, Cashel Forest

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Summary

Cashel estate is owned by the Royal Scottish Forestry Society who are restoring the are to more natural forest. They have waymarked 5 different walks of various length; the route here follows the Aspen Path which is waymarked in red and offers great views of Loch Lomond.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Well-made paths through natural woodland with a fair amount of ascent, steep in parts. An easy walk for grade 2.

Public Transport

No public transport to start of walk. .

Start

Cashel Native Forest car park (charge). Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.2km / 2.5 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 290m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS399940

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

Park at the Cashel Native Forest car park, which is signed from the Loch Lomondside road heading north from Balmaha; there is a parking charge. A Visitor Centre here gives background information on the project and on the history of the woods. The walk we describe is the Apsen Path, which is waymarked throughout in red. Head to the far end of the Visitor Centre building and turn right before a metal gate, ignoring two tracks heading straight on (these are the return route). Head towards a large wooden barn, following the waymarked path.

Stage 2

Follow the path round to the left of the barn and on into the woods. The waymarked path continues through the mixed woodland. Continue following the red markers at any junctions, ignoring the blue waymarked Birch Path which leaves off to the left. Soon there are good views of Loch Lomond and the path runs briefly alongside a drystone wall to the right before bearing left again.

Stage 3

At one point the path crosses a small stream. It then bears left by a fence. At the next signed path junction the longest of the three Cashel routes turns off to the right (the Pine path, waymarked in block). Ignore this and go straight ahead to remain on the red route.

Stage 4

The path, which has now levelled off, continues across the hillside. At one point a branch path heads off to the left - turn here to make a short detour to visit a grassy knoll which provides the best views of Loch Lomond, with its scattered islands to the left and steep mountains to the right. Just below the knoll is a standing stone sculpture engraved with the words 'The sun will shine again'. Return to the main path and continue along it.

Stage 5

The path eventually reaches a track coming down from the hill, where the Pine Path black route is rejoined. Turn left down the track; it zig-zags left and right on its way back to the white-washed Cashel Farm far below. Look out for the 'insect hotel' on the left just before reaching the car park.

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