Image shared for Loch Ard Forest: Sculpture Trail and Little Loch Ard
Countryside Circular

Loch Ard Forest: Sculpture Trail and Little Loch Ard

Walk

Central

Distance
4.3 mi
Walking time
1h 45m–2h 20m
Difficulty
Medium
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

Save the route to find it later. Follow it to hear when a date is added.

About this walk

Begin at Milton Forest car park, west of Aberfoyle, and follow the red Sculpture Trail through Loch Ard Forest. The circuit reaches the wooded shores of Little Loch Ard and Loch Ard, then turns around the small lochside peninsula before returning through the forest past Lochan a' Ghleannain. Look for the wildlife sculptures along the tracks, including the mirrored eagle and red squirrels. Use the red waymarks, as several longer routes share these junctions.

Allow about two and a half hours. The route uses mostly wide gravel tracks, with long moderate slopes and a few short steep stretches. Loose stones, uneven ground and muddy patches make shoes with grip worthwhile. Give cyclists space and watch for occasional forestry vehicles. Keep back from the loch edges. The informal descent into Rob Roy's Cave is outside this walk.

Forestry and Land Scotland lists free parking here. The nearest public toilets and places to eat are in Aberfoyle; there are no toilets promised at the forest car park. The operator advises that the last Sunday of each month can be busier with a gravel-cycling event. Check the current local alerts before travelling, particularly after storms or during forestry work. Route information: Forestry and Land Scotland's Loch Ard trail guide and map.

Walk details

County
Central
Walk type
Circular
Category
Countryside
Distance
4.3 mi (6.9 km)
Walking time
1h 45m–2h 20m
Walking time excludes breaks. Allow extra time for stops and conditions. Ascent is not yet included; allow extra time for climbs.
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

Make this route part of your day

For walkers

Saving and preparing a route

Watch: portrait video or landscape video.

Saving and preparing a route

Read the steps
  1. Open a route and read the practical notes.
  2. Save it to your Saved Walks, then open it again from there.
  3. Check the route map and elevation profile before setting off. Reopen the details on the day.

Saved Walks needs an account. Reopening the website needs a connection; check access, weather and your own navigation before you go.

See how to plan a walk with others

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Along the route

7 places
Milton Forest Car Park
Parking
Information
Navigation · 0.0 mi along
Parking
Essentials · 0.2 mi along
Guidepost
Navigation · 2.9 mi along
Guidepost
Navigation · 3.6 mi along
Parking
Essentials · 4.2 mi along
Guidepost
Navigation · 4.2 mi along

Terms of Service

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.

Privacy preferences

Necessary storage supports sign-in, security and your privacy choice. It is always on. Google Analytics, Mixpanel and Simple Analytics measure site usage only with your permission. Session recording is off. Rejecting analytics does not affect access.

Your choice lasts up to 180 days. If you accept analytics, a separate receipt records acceptance, the notice version and server time and is scheduled for deletion after 180 days. The receipt contains no account, IP address or browser details. Refusal and withdrawal stay in this browser. You can change your choice here at any time.

Read our privacy policy