If it’s off the beaten track you’re looking for then why not try out the Three Lochs Forest Drive?
The Trossachs National Park is an incredible ‘otherworldly’ place to discover, full of little glens and beautiful lochs surrounded by nature. But sometimes, especially during the summer, it isn’t uncommon to bump into other walkers and birdwatchers along the various public footpaths.
So if you really want to experience the place by yourself the Three Lochs Forest Drive will lead you on a circular route to admire the scenery around the Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray. It isn’t known by too many others so you’ll hopefully have the views all to yourself. The drive is a one-way route of roughly 7 miles and along the way there are short trails to pick up, picnic spots, car parks, toilets and even play facilities for the youngsters.
While you’re exploring make sure to keep a look out for deer or red squirrels through the trees and ospreys over the surrounding waters.
The Drive is located within the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park which is 50,000 acres and includes all habitat from mountain and moorland to woodland and rivers. It’s a really beautiful place to explore.
How to find it?
If you start off at the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre near Aberfoyle you’ll find loads of information for various trails and nature tips too. There is a café and a shop and even a GoApe adventure course here. The start of the Forest Drive is a couple of miles north of the visitor centre off the A821.