Spending the day at the Lodge Visitor Centre
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is home to a diverse range of trails offering stunning waterfalls, lofty woodland views and rocky crags.
We’re highlighting some of our favourite ways to spend the day at the Lodge Visitor Centre, near Aberfoyle.
Plan your next trip to the Lodge
Waterfall Trail
A pleasant stroll through the trees past a monument to the Women's Timber Corps, leading to a dramatic waterfall that appears as if by magic.
This short all-abilities trail is a great for the whole family. Make sure to look out for artworks hidden in the trees and interactive forest games or take a break in one of our forest hammocks. The Waterfall Trail is also the start of our other 3 walking trails that take you up to the Lime Craig. You can also take a scenic walk through an ancient oak woodland or follow the footsteps of a duke and climb above the Dukes’ Pass for views of Loch Ard Forest.
Gaelic Tree Trail
Our Gaelic Tree Trail offers a great opportunity to enjoy nature while learning some Gaelic as you go. Follow the Waterfall Trail to discover the Gaelic names and fascinating folklore of some of our native trees. Pick up a quiz sheet at the visitor centre or download the pdf from our website.
Wildlife Bug Bag rentals
Get ready to adventure in the forest with all the equipment you need to be a wilderness explorer.
We have multiple Bug Bags available to rent. These are equipped with binoculars, pond dipping jar, compass, identification booklet and a map.
Rental cost is £2. You can pick up your Bug Bag at the visitor centre.
Monthly nature clubs
Our Visitor Centre staff are hosting monthly nature clubs that include scavenger hunts, crafts, and interactive games about the wonderful nature found in the area. Find the Lodge on Facebook to stay up to date on the monthly themes and what's coming up.
Other ways to enjoy the Lodge
Borrow an accessibility scooter
We have two electric mobility scooters available to use during your visit.
These are great for exploring the Waterfall Trail which is our all-abilities trail leading towards a dramatic waterfall. We offer the scooters on a first come first served basis from Friday to Sunday, or you can book them 72 hours in advance Monday to Thursday by emailing thelodge@forestryandland.gov.scot.
Rent the Lodge House
The Lodge has the perfect private space in a picturesque forest for meetings, birthday parties and other functions.
This multifunctional event space is located next to the visitor centre and provides seating for up to 30 people. You can learn more about the space on our website.
Go Ape
If you are looking for an adventure that will live with you and your family forever, you've arrived at the right place.
The Lodge is home to two of the longest zips in the UK, and a new axe throwing centre. Can spend the day flying over trees and waterfalls or take aim and try out their newest axe throwing feature. Learn more on Go Ape website.
Explore further
The Lodge is a great starting point to explore Queen Elizabeth Forest Park with it’s iconic views of sparkling lochs, wooded hills and rugged mountains.
Follow the Three Lochs Forest Drive to explore the heart of the forest without having to walk far or head to tranquil Loch Ard for easy family cycling.
The Forest Park encompasses some of Scotland’s best-loved locations, from magnificent Loch Lomond, the rolling Trossachs hills and Loch Katrine to the craggy tops of Strathyre. It’s a feast for the eyes whatever the season and there’s so much to see and do – whether you want to just soak up the view, stroll or swing through the trees or take a steamship on a legendary loch.