The Loch Ard family Sculpture trail consists fo 16 miles of routes for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. It runs through a wide variety of terrain and past many impressive sights, including Loch Ard itself, Loch Chon, Duchray Water and Kelty Water.

The sculptures were commissioned by Scottish Enterprise and Forestry Commission Scotland with a brief to create representations of animals and birds as part of the natural food chain in the forest.

The cycling trails

There are five cycling trails, suitable for cyclists for all abilities, ranging from 2 to 10 miles long. Easy to spot signposts have been placed at all junctions along the main cycle routes, and there's a picnic place for you to rest and enjoy the view.

Where to start

There are three start points to choose from:

• The main car park in Aberfoyle Village.
• Milton car park, one and a half miles west of Aberfoyle. There's an orientation point here which includes a map of the routes, an introduction to the Living in the Forest story, and details of key features.
• Kinlochard village, five miles further along the Milton road.

Features around the trails

Along the routes you'll find five sound posts featuring toad, deer stag, great spotted woodpecker, jay and buzzard sounds, along with narrative recorded by Aberfoyle primary school pupils.

Our wildlife hide will give you a chance to see some of the animals that live around Loch Ard, including chainsaw sculptures and willow weavings ensure there is always something to see. Unusual seats and shelters are provided, containing raised letters, symbols and listening tubes. Kids are encouraged to find shapes, words, or listen for sounds to reveal interesting facts about wildlife. There are also tables with wildlife-themed word searches engraved on the top.