Visiting Queen Elizabeth Forest Park…
Where the Highlands, and the forest adventure, begin…
The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is made up of 3 landscapes; Rugged Strathyre Forest for adventurous exploration, Reflective East Loch Lomond for peace and tranquility and Inspiring Trossachs for inspiration and exhilaration amongst hills and lochs. The area was first designated as a Forest Park by the Forestry Commission in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
For many visitors the attraction of the park lies in the peace and quiet, the magnificent views and the wide range of activities and facilities. The hub of the park is the David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre which has ample parking, wheelchair access, toilets, the Bluebell Café, and picnic area. From here, you can pick up a range of leaflets and guides to help you find your way around the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, with lots of information about walking, cycling and wildlife watching in the area.
4 Easy Trails to discover…
Waterfall Trail:
The Waterfall Trail provides a light-hearted look at wildlife, folklore, forest life and geology whilst enjoying a gentle, short walk. The Little Fawn waterfall appears as if by magic from the depths of the forest. Sit and enjoy the cool breeze from the waterfall before either going further on another trail or slowly meander back to the visitor centre.
Oak Coppice Trail:
Following on from the Waterfall Trail, take a step back in time to see how the oakwoods were managed for 300-400 years by the Dukes of Montrose.
Family Friendly Forest Trails:
Learn more about the forest food trail depicted through sculptures of birds and mammals that live in the forest.
Fun, interactive and educational – a must do activity at Queen Elizabeth Forest Park!
Achray: From the waterfall trail the path follows the route of an old drovers road as far as the Dukes Pass. Here the trail crosses the road and continues to climb through an open, regenerating native woodland. As the path rises there are suberb views across the Carse of Stirling and south towards the Gargunnock Hills and Campsie Fells. The trail then returns to the David Marshall Lodge on the forest road through the mature conifers of Achray Forest.
Please take care, heavy timber haulage in this area.
The David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre (FK8 3SX) is the ideal location for a family adventure. The centre is one of the most popular locations within Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. The site has the longest zip line in the UK, as part of the Go Ape high wire course. You can enjoy fabulous walks to the waterfall, or enjoy a cycle on the Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trails. We have a wildlife room were you can watch live and recorded footage of Ospreys and Squirrels. The views and food in the Bluebell café are a worth the visit in itself. In addition to the café the site is also ideal to have a picnic. Opening hours vary: Feb &March 10am-4pm, April, May, June 10am-5pm July-August 10am-6pm
Sept-Oct 10am-5pm, Nov-Dec 10am-4pm.The David Marshall Lodge (FK8 3SX) is situated on the A821 just outside Aberfoyle. From Stirling/Callander, follow the A81 to Aberfoyle via DukesPass. For more details look at www.forestry.gov.uk/qefp or Tel 01877 382258.