Premium Walk

Loch Ard Forest

Updated: July 31, 2025
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Walk Highlights

Nearest Town:
Stirling
Distance:
3.50 miles
Time:
1.50 hours
Difficulty:
Easy
Terrain:

Terrain: A truly beautiful and invigorating circular walk around Loch Ard. Paths are a mix of wide, well-maintained compacted gravel tracks and natural earth paths along the lochside and through woodlands. The terrain is gently undulating (total ascent 160m / 525ft), following the contours of the loch and surrounding forest, with moderate climbs and descents that add to the engagement. Expect paths to be muddy and prone to puddles in places, particularly after rain or in wetter sections of the forest. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and waterproof footwear is advisable.

Accessibility: Many sections of the main forest tracks and lochside paths are wide and relatively flat, offering good accessibility. However, the full 7.6-mile loop around Loch Ard includes natural paths that can be uneven and muddy, making full accessibility challenging.

Facilities:
Facilities: Picnic tables at the car park.

3-Day Dog Walking Forecast

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Ground Conditions

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Dog-Centric Details

Poo Bins Available:
No
Secure/Fenced Area:
No
Dog Water Source:
Yes
Dog Notes:

Dog-Friendliness: Loch Ard offers an outstanding and incredibly popular destination for dog walkers, providing extensive loch-side trails, beautiful woodlands, and stunning mountain views within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park! Dogs are very welcome throughout much of the site. However, due to the presence of livestock, abundant wildlife (including red squirrels), and shared paths with cyclists, specific rules and vigilance are crucial.

EV Charger Nearby:
No
Fuel Station Nearby:
No
Livestock Information:
Off-Leash Policy:
Full Off-Leash
Dog Traffic:
Moderate
Seasonal Advice:
Height Restriction:
No
Printable Version:
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About this Walk

Loch-Side Majesty and Forest Trails: Loch Ard Circular, StirlingshireLocation: Loch Ard, near Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire, Scotland, FK8 3SR (This postcode is for the general area of Loch Ard, often near main access points and car parks.) The Walk: A 4.1-Mile Circuit of the LochThis suggested walk i...

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