Recommended Walking Routes around The Trossachs

The Forestry Commission have also produced this leaflet which is available at The David Marshall Lodge in Aberfoyle or from the Tourist Information Centres around the National Park or click on the image to download a copy. The map has details of most of the walks above in one handy leaflet and also contains information on cycling routes, the Achray Forest Drive and lots of other useful information.

The National Park Authority has also produced a series of walking leaflets which cover the walks around various villages in the Trossachs and around Loch Lomond. A list of these leaflets are available to download on the Maps and Trails page and also copies can be obtained at the Visitor Information Centres

For the more adventurous and those looking for a more demanding walk up one of the many mountains in the Trossachs area go to the Munros and Hills pages for more information on the most popular of the hills in the Park. We have included a sample of 3 strenuous mountain walks in the Heart of The Trossachs.

Starting on the Glen Finglas Road at Brig O'Turk with the village hall on the right and the Brig O'Turk Tea Room on your left, this walk climbs steeply winding its way through oak, birch & alder woodland with views over the reservoir & dam.

The terrain changes to open farmland leading to an open view of the Glen Finglas Estate. From here you follow the route to Balquhidder along a track meandering thru ancient trees above the Gleann nam Meann Burn to the head of the Glen, at its highest point you are 600m above Moine nan Each or "bog of the horse", the views on a clear day are spectacular.

The track descends steeply into Glen Finglas with amazing views of Ben Ledi, the reservoir & glen; once part of an ancient medieval hunting forest. Continue over the pedestrian bridge over the Finglas Water and follow the burn side track which will eventually bring you back to Brig O'Turk.

Starting from Tigh Mhor (an imposing 'Castle Looking' Stone Building overlooking Loch Achray) make your way west towards the woods that spread up the hill (opposite a small carpark).

The path up to Ben A'an starts here with no warm-up as you start with a climb, passing through Larch plantations and mixed woodlands all the while walking beside the (at times) fast flowing Allt Inneir Burn. The route is varied with a lot of scrambling up rocks, but perservere as the constantly changing views are worth the clambering.

The final assault is the most challenging, weaving at times through a constantly changing and rocky stream. A small chimney to the left offers a option to the top. Ben A'an must have one of the most rewarding views in terms of effort & time put in. Weather & time of day permitting you may be lucky enough to see the 100 year old SS Sir Walter Scott sailing up Loch Katrine and in the distance the distinctive 3 peak top of the Cobbler.

From the main road walk into the Loch Achray Hotel grounds into the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park following the path along Achray Water. Bear left at the first fork following the track until it crosses, cross over the next junction and follow track when it forks to the right continuing through the forest. Once out of the forest you will head over open hillside, which turns uphill at the 1st of 2 cairns on the way to the summit.

On a clear day it is hard to beat Ben Venue summit for a view. Looking back you will still be able to see where you started from as well as The Cobbler and Ben Lomond to the west, Ben Lui, Ben Ledi, Ben Lawyers and Meall nan Tarmachan with Dumgoyne and the Campsies to the south. Lochs include Loch Arklet, Katrine Achray, and Loch Venacher.

If you have left your vehicle at the Loch Achray Hotel or are using the Demand Response Transport  service you will have to return by the same route you came. However, it is possible to continue walking south to eventually come out at Ledard Farm at Kinlochard (5 miles on from the village of Aberfoyle).