Milton is a small hamlet about a mile from Aberfoyle on the road to Inversnaid. Take the road to the left as you approach following the sign to the Loch Ard Forest. There are a couple of free parking areas which are popular with walkers and cyclists alike.
There are several routes to pick from which start at Milton and with the addition of a new bridge across Duchray Water a few years ago, the options for variation of your route has increased tremendously. At the furthest car park you will find an information map board which outlines all the available routes. Sometimes you may be able to pick up a copy of the map from the box attached to the map board.
From Milton its possible to start the Family Sculpture Trail either on foot or bike which is an interesting route with lots of stopping places along the way. There are also some scenic routes around Lochan Spling and Lochan Ghleannian, two great places to stop for a rest or a picnic.
A short distance from Milton there are several wild camping sites which are well used by various groups and organisations to add the option for an overnight stay close to nature. Access to the campsites is restricted and must be booked in advance with the Forestry Commission Aberfoyle. For more information on all the routes on an interactive map and to download a copy of various leaflets and guides, go to the Maps and Trails page for a full list.
Cycle 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.
The path follows well compacted forest roads and trails which will have some loose surface material in places. From the car park the route leads you to the shores of the ‘Little Loch Ard’. Follow the waters edge through native woodland and stands of mature conifer. Enjoy the views across Loch Ard before leaving the loch behind and gently climbing uphill and returning.
This is a fairly easy walk with gentle gradients on a firm path surface. The path follows the Duchray Water on its outward leg before heading back towards the car park initially through a more enclosed section of forest which opens up as you approach the scenic Ghleannain Loch (pronounced Glennan).
Initially on a forest road and then on a narrower but well built track, which may have some loose surface material in places, the path takes you to a viewpoint which offers views of Ben Lomond, Craigmore and Aberfoyle. In the distance you can also see the hill ranges of Menteith, Ochil, Gargunnock, Fintry and the Campsie Fells. The path then re-joins the forest road and drops down to the loch shore as it leads you back to the car park.
The trail follows well compacted forest roads and trails which will have some loose surface material in places. From the car park the path crosses the Duchray Water and follows a circular route around Lochan Spling. There is an option to take a short diversion to a viewpoint above the loch before turning to the car park again by way of the Duchray Water Bridge.
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.