Panorama on Cashel forest hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs area in Scotland
Panorama on Cashel forest hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs area in Scotland

Cashel Forest Walk

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
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Shores of Loch Lomond and slopes on Ben Lomond on Cashel Forest hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandBug hotel as seen from Cashel Forest hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandLoch Lomond and Ben Vorlich on Cashel Forest hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandRain coming over on Cashel Forest hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandViewpoint views to the south on Cashel Forest hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandViewpoint views to the north of Cashel Forest hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandScottish heather on Cashel Forest hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandLoch Lomond on Cashel Forest hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandScattering islands on Loch Lomond on Cashel Forest hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandArrochar Alps on Cashel Forest hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in Scotland

Cashel Forest Walk

Distance: 2.8mi
Elevation: 663ft
Time: 1.5-2h

Difficulty Rating:

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9.7 Overall Rating
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The Cashel Forest walk is a scenic undulating route consisting of several pleasant flat sections, well-balanced with a steep climb. This route offers some superb views across Loch Lomond and is a brilliant way to appreciate the beauty of the Loch from above. There are several marked route options from the start point, with this option being the middle length.

Cashel Forest Trail Map

Getting there

To get to the Cashel Forest Trailhead from Drymen, take the B837 North to Balmaha. The road follows the east shores of Loch Lomond. In under 7.0mi you’ll arrive at the Cashel Native Forest car park, it is signposted and on the right. Parking is £3.00.

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About

When to do

Year round

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

Yes. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 - 16:00

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Good

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Loop


Cashel Forest Walk
Elevation Graph


Cashel Forest Trail Description

The Cashel Forest route described here is the middle-distance route, and it is clearly marked by red markers on wooden posts throughout the circuit.

To begin the walk from the Visitor Centre car park, head to the right of the buildings to join the red waymarked trail at the back of the buildings. Proceed with a swift descent alongside a dry stonewall leading you up the sweeping hillside alongside a steadfast drystone wall.

Along the next section, there is an optional detour off to the right to reach a grassy knoll that opens to exceptional views out over Loch Lomond and its scattered islands. We highly recommend this! After returning to the main path, it soon makes way for a narrower footpath which you’ll follow across the gorgeous hillside. The red route continues 0.9mi and soon leads to an iron gate, which you’ll pass through and continue on a downhill stretch that is bound to bring a little heat.

Finally, you’ll turn west to make your way down the wide forestry path, enjoying further inspirational views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding, rolling hills. To complete the red route, continue to the Cashel Native Forest car park where the walk concludes.

Check out more amazing walks in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, like the Ben A’an, Ben Venue, Ben Lomond, or Loch Venachar.

Insider Hints

  • This is a good route with the kids. There are lots of areas to explore.

  • Head to Balmaha for refreshments. There’s a pub, café and shop!

  • You can easily drop down to the shores of Loch Lomond at Cashel Camping & Forest Park, which is opposite the Visitor Centre (a right and then your first left).

Comments

Cashel Ranger 3 years ago

Hi, I’m the ranger at Cashel. It’s a truly special site, a bit of a hidden gem. I have important updates on the information supplied here : - We have two new ‘centenary’ paths in celebration of 100 years of the Forestry Commission: There are now 5 circular routes on site both of the new paths are aimed at all abilities. All paths on site are interlinked, so there are many different ways to explore Cashel Forest. - Parking costs £3.00 which goes towards the upkeep of the site. - There are toilets on site inside of the visitor centre. These are open from April until the end of October, from 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday). INSIDER TIP! I recommend doing the red and/or green trails by joining the narrower path through the woodland on your ascent, and coming back down the forestry track. The opposite way to the suggested route here. This gives a more undulating, interesting trip up the hill, with flatter sections to balance out the climb. The steeper section is followed by a turn to the North, across broad ridges with spectacular views, finally turning to the west, down the wide, well-made, forestry path with more views of Loch Lomond and surrounding hills.

10.0 Overall Rating
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2h 30m Time Taken
ShirleySyk 4 years ago

What an amazing hike through the forest. I recommend it to everyone

9.0 Overall Rating
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2h 00m Time Taken
Felix Legrand 4 years ago

Fantastic walk with many interesting sights on route

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Bret Yates 4 years ago

Simply amazing! It's not entirely easy, but it's extremely worth it.

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Matthew Zielinski 5 years ago

We started 8am and the parking was nice. There were not many people on the trail while we were climbing, but plenty of them when we're heading back.

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Emily Jakub 5 years ago

The cool breeze at the top was great! Love the smell of the woods. There were some steep drops along the dry stone wall, but everything will get easier from there. Don't forget to take lots of pictures.

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Ben Cammin 5 years ago

Nice exploratory area. So much to see and discover. Not that crowded.

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Jordan Burke 5 years ago

The awe-inspiring scenery at the top was remarkable! It was way beyond what I've expected.

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David Kwan 5 years ago

Trail was fantastic! The quick ascend to the top was not that hard and perfectly fine for my kids. Views were beautiful and we love this hike.

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Terrance Gyro 5 years ago

Stunning trail. Lots of wild flowers in the meadows. We enjoyed this so much.

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13 Comments Show all

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