Loch Ard and Ghleannain Loch, near Aberfoyle

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A pleasant circuit through mixed forestry and past pretty lochans and Loch Ard. There are wildlife sound boxes and sculptures with riddles to give plenty of interest for children and adults alike.

Terrain

Forest tracks and paths with some steep sections.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Loch Ard Forestry Commission car park. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Currently 3.67/5

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Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.75km / 4.25 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 160m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN498010

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The Loch Ard forestry car park is reached by turning left off the B829 a few miles west of Aberfoyle and following the signs on the forestry track. From the parking area go back past the track heading into the car park and follow the track straight ahead marked with a red marker post (the route is waymarked in red throughout). Keep following the forest track, keeping right where the track forks. The route now passes a picnic table and a pretty lochan with waterlilies flowering in the summer. At the end of the lochan, the track climbs uphill, passing a lovely bench at the top before continuing through the mixed trees.

Stage 2

Eventually the route curves to the right. Further on turn left downhill. Keep following the red waymarkers and turn right onto a wider track once the lochside of Loch Ard is reached.

Stage 3

Here there is a sculpture hidden in the trees of red squirrels fighting back against the invading grey squirrel. Follow the track to the right; it keeps well away from the lochside. Turn left at the next junction to follow a loop back down to the loch. This section is slightly rougher but it has excellent views over sections of the loch and to the beautiful houses across it..

Stage 4

Follow the clear path through the trees, keeping left where a path leaves to the right. At one point, the path is directly above a cave used as a hiding place by Rob Roy, however it is not visible or accessible from the route as it is in a cliff at lochside. When the loop path emerges back onto the main track turn left.

Stage 5

On this section there are two sculptures, the first a wooden cut out of an acorn and the second a series of hidden foxes on the right hand side. Keep following the main track, ignoring a path to the right and passing a couple of houses. When the track reaches a larger track (the approach road to the car park) turn right to return to the car park and the start of the walk.

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