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Braeval

Where we are

Latest forest information

  • Harvesting of larch trees infected with Phytophthora ramorum will begin on Wednesday 17 April 2024. The Braeval Trail will be diverted. The Stonefields Trail and car park will be open as normal. Access to routes from Braeval to The Lodge will be limited to Saturdays and Sundays. The Rob Roy Way will include a small diversion to avoid the active site. Please follow any on site signage and advice from operators. 
  • Please be aware of timber haulage on the forest road network at Braeval. 

  • Please be aware of remedial works being carried out by a third party on sections of the Stonefields Trail – please take care.

About

Towering larches and great views over Lake of Menteith

The higher you climb in the woods here, the greater the views over the Lake of Menteith, Flanders Moss and the Campsie Fells and Fintry Hills beyond. In spring there is a carpet of bluebells beneath the stately larches, butterflies flutter in the summer glades and the trees put on a colourful show in autumn.

Walking trails

Walking

Braeval Trail

Climb through towering larches and relax in the forest glade that’s alive with woodland birdsong.

Largely firm gravel surface. Long steep slope on uneven rocky path.

Strenuous trail grade icon grade icon
¾ miles / 1.2 km

Allow ½ hour

More information

This short trail is particularly appealing in spring, but it’s a great stroll year-round. In summer, butterflies and woodland birds flutter in the summer glades, while the trees are spectacular in their autumn colours.

Walking

Stonefields Trail

A peaceful trail through the quiet conifer woodland above Stonefield that is ideal for horse riding.

Mostly wide, firm gravel tracks. Some fairly steep slopes and one section of uneven rock and earth path.

Moderate trail grade icon grade icon
2 ¼ miles / 3.5 km

Allow 1 ½ hours

More information

The trail climbs from the car park and through a stand of statuesque larch trees. It then follows the forest road, with glimpses through the trees over the Lake of Menteith to the Campsie Fells beyond. An old track leads down through the trees and back to the car park through mixed and fairly open conifer plantation.

Activities

Horse riding

This quiet woodland is ideal for horse riding, particularly the Stonefields Trail. You'll find plenty of room for horseboxes in the car park here too.

The Rob Roy Way

The 94 mile Rob Roy Way passes through the forest just north of Braeval car park. The route follows the tracks and paths used by Rob Roy MacGregor, Scotland's most notorious outlaw, linking Drymen to the south with Pitlochry to the north.

Facilities and access

Parking
Parking
Walking
Walking
Stay the Night
Stay the Night

There are public toilets and plenty of places to eat, drink and shop at Aberfoyle.

Stay the Night

Stay the Night continues to run through to 31 December 2024. This means self-contained motorhomes and campervans will be able to park overnight for one night in some of our car parks.

There is a £7 charge to Stay the Night at this car park. Payment can be made through RingGo with details of how to do this at each car park.

To help plan your stay, please see the details below:

  • Height barrier – No
  • Motorhome capacity of car park – 3
  • Suitable for large vehicles/caravans – Yes
  • Parking notes – Steep off road with potholes on approach. Car park on slight slope - levelling blocks recommended. Steep access road. Please leave a 4m gap between other motorhomes.

Please visit our Stay the Night page for full details, participating locations, best practice, and terms and conditions of use.

Stay the night

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

Getting here

Braeval car park is on the north side of the A81. Depending on the direction you're arriving from, it's 1½ miles east of Aberfoyle or 3 miles west of Port of Menteith.

It's possible to walk or cycle to Braeval from Aberfoyle, following the Rob Roy Way for 1½ miles.

Using SatNav?

FK8 3UY is the nearest postcode.

Get directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6600 (option 2)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Drooping conifer branch

Head uphill or along the river from the centre of historic Aberfoyle

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking
Toilets
Toilets
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Tourist information
Tourist information
Cafe or refreshments
Cafe or refreshments
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Aberfoyle': 1.31 miles
Drooping conifer branch

The gateway to Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

Facilities and activities
Orienteering or wayfaring
Orienteering or wayfaring
Walking
Walking
All ability trails
All ability trails
Treetop adventure
Treetop adventure
Picnic area
Picnic area
Toilets
Toilets
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Visitor centre
Visitor centre
Tourist information
Tourist information
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Cafe or refreshments
Cafe or refreshments
Distance from 'The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre': 1.43 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Relax in this tranquil forest setting. Enjoy a relaxing walk in the Oak woodland or a lazy picnic by the River Forth.

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Cycling
Cycling
Parking
Parking
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Lemahamish': 1.68 miles