The Achray Forest offers an abundance of opportunities for cycling and walking with the National Cycle Route 7 passing through on its way to Callander. The 3 Lochs Forest Drive is a scenic 7 mile route which can also be cycled or walked in either direction but watch out for vehicles on the bends and downhills. Along the drive there are some walks at Pine Ridge near the recreation and toilet area which add some diversions.
Its possible to meet up with The Invertrossachs Road along the NCR 7 route and make your way to Callander, mainly off road except for the last 3 miles which is on single track road. Near the exit to the drive there are 3 circular waymarked routes for walkers and cyclists but watch out for vehicles coming towards you. There is a nice picnic site on the shore of Loch Achray facing Tigh Mhor on the other side.
Cycle and Walking Maps
The above maps have been provided courtesy of the Forestry Commission Scotland. Most routes are suitable for cyclists and walkers. Please click on the icon to show an enlarged map, information on the difficulty of the route, footwear etc.
In the heart of the Achray Forest this trail gives you a flavour of the variety of habitats which make up a productive woodland. There are recently felled and recently planted areas. The forest’s crop of young and old conifer stand along side native woodlands. Scots Pine & Birch are in abundance but other native trees such as Oak, Alder, Hazel, Willow and Rowan also add to the the rich diversity of the forest.
Follow the Forest Drive for a short way before leaving the road on a well constructed path. After crossing the Allt a Cham ruidhe burn the path climbs steeply for a short distance before it levels out and offers good views of the surrounding hills including Ben A’an and Ben Venue. There are also fine views across Loch Achray to Tigh Mor and the Trossachs Kirk. As you descend towards Loch Achray the path rejoins the Forest Drive and follows it back to the car park.
The trail takes you into Achray Forest through Pine and Birch woodland and Conifer forest. Enjoy a stroll through the forest and on the return leg, as the trial follows the Forest Drive along the banks of Loch Achray, take in the views of the Trossachs before climbing steadily through the forest and back to the car park.
Important Message from the Forestry Commission Scotland:
Many of the Forestry Commission Scotland’s trails and forest roads are suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Please show consideration and courtesy to everyone you meet. Some trails and paths are less suited to cyclists and horse riders because of the gradients and surfaces. Please behave responsibly in helping us to maintain these routes. Please remember also that forests are working landscapes and that forestry vehicles also use these roads.