Eight Mile Loop, Loch Ard

Eight Mile Loop is a waymarked 8½-mile (13.8 km) circuit from Loch Ard Forest Car Park. It follows Loch Ard’s shore, then climbs through the forest for views toward Ben Venue and Ben Lomond before returning to the same car park. Allow 5½ hours. The route is described as family friendly but is also graded strenuous, so judge it by the distance and time commitment.

Most of the route uses wide, loose gravel tracks, with uneven ground and muddy patches. Long moderate slopes alternate with shorter steeper sections. The forestry roads are shared with cyclists and vehicles. The shoreline stretch runs beside open water, so keep children close. Dogs are permitted under proper control; in ground-nesting bird habitat, keep them close at heel or on a short lead, usually April–July.

From Aberfoyle, follow the B829 toward Kinlochard; after about a mile, turn at the signed Loch Ard Forest access. Loch Ard Forest Car Park is the marked trail start. Some Forestry and Land Scotland car parks charge, but a fee for this one was not confirmed. Aberfoyle has public toilets and places to eat and drink, separate from the trail. For a shorter outing, the distinct Loch Ard Sculpture Trail is 4¼ miles and graded moderate.