A large part of the greater Trossachs, that is the wider area from Loch Lomond to Callander, Thornhill, Doune and Strathyre, is covered by extensive tracts of forest. Much of this forest lies in The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park so designated in 1953 by the Forestry Commission to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
The forest park covers 50,000 acres of land consisting of a mixture of commercial forest, semi-natural and ancient woodland, and open space and is managed by Forest Enterprise. Within the boundaries of the park are three main forests, Loch Ard Forest, Achray Forest, and Strathyre Forest and these are particularly suitable for walkers and cyclists with many waymarked trails including a connection with the Glasgow - Killin Cycleway. Though walkers and cyclists are welcome in these forests remember that there are commercial areas where forestry operations may be in progress so take heed of any warning notices and diversions.
A good place to start is by visiting the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park Visitor Centre. on the A821 just outside Aberfoyle - see the following item. For further information on walks throughout the forest park go to the Walking Page and for cycling information visit the Cycling Page. If you want to know what birds,animals and trees may been seen in the area visit the Activities Page and look at the Nature section.
Much of the area of QEFP is mountainous and subject to sudden changes of weather. Be prepared and take extra warm clothing, waterproofs and good strong shoes. If you intend to be more adventurous and head for the hills and mountains and mountains remember :
For further hill walking and safety information visit the Hill Safety Page.
Formerly known as The David Marshall Lodge, the visitor center for the forest park (see previous item) is open daily from 1000 to 1800 daily Easter to October and then weekends only until Christmas. Audio visual exhibits introduce you to the forest park with displays, exhibitions, resident craftsmen, cafeteria, wheelchair access, picnic sites and toilet facilities.
This is a good spot to begin your exploration of some of the forest trails. Particularly useful are the three waymarked trails that start at the visitor centre; The Coppice Trail, The Waterfall Trail which passes the foot of a beautiful 50' waterfall, and The Great Highland Fault Trail which follows part of the line of the Highland Boundary Fault, the dividing line between the Lowlands and the Highlands. For a description of these walks see the Trossachs Walks Page. There are also many pleasant spots around the centre for picnicking. Admission £1 for parking.
Forest Enterprise organise a range of events for visitors including guided walks, mini bus tours, exhibitions and lectures. Special events may include the following:.
Please note that the Forestry Commission reserve the right to refuse to accept a person for an event if they are considered not to be suitably clothed or equipped for the conditions likely to be encountered.
Visit the Achray Forest Drive for a 7 mile leisurely drive through a beautiful part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park visiting both Loch Achray and Loch Drunkie. An optional walk takes you further along the shores of Loch Drunkie. Beautiful Highland scenery, plenty of parking areas and places ideal for picnics. Open Easter - October.
This pass on the Trossachs trail offers superb views over the Achray forest with a view point on the west side of the road and another on the east side at the entrance to the Achray Forest Drive. Both are worth a visit and the drive over the pass is splendid with the chance of meeting a Scottish bagpiper at the roadside.
For further information on places to visit see the following pages:
Contents
Introduction
Callander
The Trossachs
Activities
Maps
Stirling
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Walks
Photography
Images
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