Cashel Forest Walk
View Photos
Cashel Forest Walk
Difficulty Rating:
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.
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.
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
Weather
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).
Similar hikes to the Cashel Forest Walk hike
Big Tree Walk
The Big Tree Walk is a lovely 1.6mi, waymarked forest trail beside the Benmore Botanic Gardens. The route…
Arrochar Caves Walk
The Arrochar Caves Walk, found in Arrochar, UK, is a 2.8mi trail that leads through a scenic forest,…
Luss Heritage Trail
The 1.6mi Luss Heritage Trail is a family favourite, and with plenty to see, it’s no wonder this…
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.
ShirleySyk 4 years ago
What an amazing hike through the forest. I recommend it to everyone
Felix Legrand 4 years ago
Fantastic walk with many interesting sights on route
Bret Yates 5 years ago
Simply amazing! It's not entirely easy, but it's extremely worth it.
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.
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.
Ben Cammin 5 years ago
Nice exploratory area. So much to see and discover. Not that crowded.
Jordan Burke 5 years ago
The awe-inspiring scenery at the top was remarkable! It was way beyond what I've expected.
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.
Terrance Gyro 5 years ago
Stunning trail. Lots of wild flowers in the meadows. We enjoyed this so much.