The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre

The Lodge is a visitor centre and forest hub above Aberfoyle, at the gateway to Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. It is the place to get your bearings, choose a walk and look out over the wooded hills. I’d keep it on the list if you want one stop that works for mixed abilities: the easy route delivers a waterfall and wildlife without turning into a serious hike, while longer trails start from the same doors.

The 1.8 km Waterfall Trail takes about half an hour. It follows a wide, firm gravel surface with a long gentle slope, some moderate sections and a short uneven boardwalk. Along the way you’ll pass reflective artworks, forest games and a monument to the Women’s Timber Corps, the wartime “Lumberjills”. The route leads to a waterfall, then you can turn back or continue through tall Norway spruce and over an arched wooden bridge to the Red Squirrel Hide. Two mobility scooters are available for this trail, which makes it the sensible choice when your group has different walking abilities.

The other waymarked routes change the feel of the visit. Craigmore View climbs above the Duke’s Pass for views over The Lodge and Loch Ard Forest. Oak Coppice wanders through ancient oak woodland draped in green lichen, with a little history in the old coppicing practice. Lime Craig is the commitment: a steep climb to a rocky summit with views towards Ben Lomond, Ben Venue, Ben Ledi, the Highland Boundary Fault and the Carse of Stirling. Back at the centre, the wildlife room has live feeds from the feeders and hide, and Go Ape offers treetop challenges with two very long zips over the forest.

The centre is a mile north of Aberfoyle on the A821. There is paid parking, accessible toilets, a café, a picnic area and plenty of visitor information. Blue Badge holders park free. Dogs are welcome inside, including the café, with water and sheltered tie-up points outside. National Cycle Route 7 passes through the forest park. Allow half an hour for the waterfall alone, or give The Lodge a longer stop if you want the café, wildlife room and one of the bigger loops as well.