Three Lochs Forest Drive

Enjoy classic Trossachs scenery from your car

This circular one way drive along quiet forest roads is a great way to see more of the forest and stunning Trossachs views. The 7 mile long forest drive takes you past three picturesque lochs – Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray.

If you can tear your eyes away from the breathtaking Trossachs scenery, watch out for woodland and watery wildlife too. Glimpse deer amongst the trees, listen for the chatter of woodland birds and red squirrels and – if you're lucky – spot an osprey fishing on one of the lochs.

There's something for everyone along the route, including short, easy trails and a picnic site beside peaceful Loch Drunkie. You'll find accessible toilets and plenty of parking there too. 

Walking trails

Three Lochs Forest Drive route card (PDF)

Walking

Achray Trail

 

Amble down through the birch and pine along the Allt a’ Cham-ruidhe stream to reach the viewpoints overlooking Loch Achray and across to the summit of Ben A’an.

Uneven rock and earth path. Several steep slopes and occasional muddy sections. Two bridges. Look out for vehicles along the forest drive.

¾ miles / 1.2 km

Allow
½ hour

More information

This trail starts from the Achray car park, which is close to the end of the Three Lochs Forest Drive. Look across Loch Achray to spot the turrets of the former hotel, Tigh Mor (Gaelic for ‘Big House’). You’ll also see the picturesque little Trossachs Kirk, parish church for the nearby village of Brig o’ Turk.

Walking

Loch Drunkie Trail

A charming walk along the oak-lined shore of Loch Drunkie, returning through the quiet woodland above where red squirrels can often be found.

Firm gravel surface with loose or uneven sections. Long moderate slopes with some short steeper sections. Parts may be wet after heavy rain.

1 ¼ miles / 1.9 km

Allow
¾ hour

More information

This trail starts from the Loch Drunkie car park, which is about half way round the Three Lochs Forest Drive.

Walking

Pine Ridge Trail

A trail that winds up through the young pines for majestic views across Loch Drunkie and the surrounding hills.

Uneven rock and earth paths with some muddy patches. Long steep slopes with loose stones. Optional loop at the top also rough and narrow. Beware vehicles along the forest drive.

1 miles / 1.5 km

Allow
¾ hour

More information

It’s well worth the climb up into the woods for the views from this peaceful trail. On a still day the reflections in the loch are breathtaking. Keep your eyes and ears open as you go – watch for groups of yellow-green siskins flitting through the high canopy and listen for the rattle of claws as red squirrels dash from tree to tree.

This trail starts from the Loch Drunkie car park, which is about half way round the Three Lochs Forest Drive.

Activities

Fishing

Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray are both popular fishing spots. There is no fishing on Lochan Reòidhte as it is designated as a conservation water.

Camping

Camping wild in the forest can be fun if you're hardy. Read our wild camping tips to find out more. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code also has more information and guidance about how to wild camp responsibly.

Camping is welcome throughout the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park but in order to protect some of our most cherished lochshores, byelaws covering camping and firelighting come into effect in some parts of the Park between March and September. This applies to the Three Lochs Forest Drive and camping along the route is by permit only. Permits are issued by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority. Camping from October to February is unaffected.

Get a permit

Facilities and access

Walking

Toilets

Parking

Cycling

Viewpoint

Forest drive

Horse riding

Picnic area

• It is possible to walk or cycle the drive at any time of year.
• There are car parks, trails, toilets and picnic spots along the way. Toilets with accessible facilities can be found at Loch Drunkie car park. The toilets are burn fed and as such, can take some time to refill when there is high usage.
• For information on camping, please visit the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park website.
• The Drive closes to public vehicles on 1 November.
• Please be aware that bikes and pedestrians have two way access to the drive so please remain wary when driving around corners and hills and allow space for bikes and walkers to pass. 

Car parking information

The charge to drive the Three Lochs route is £3.

Payment options: coin, card or RingGo

We recommend bringing coins and cards, just in case. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol. 

The entrance barrier closes at 16:00, after that you can park on either side of the drive to walk or cycle in the area. If you are on the Drive after this time you can exit the gate using the code given to you upon arrival.

Annual parking pass available:

Available in advance by downloading the relevant application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions before applying.

Blue badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

More parking info

Getting here

The entrance to the Three Lochs Forest Drive is on the east side of The Duke’s Pass/A821, about 2 miles north of Aberfoyle.

Using SatNav?

FK8 3SY is the nearest postcode.

Get directions