Loch Ard and Ghleannain Loch Walk
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The Loch Ard and Ghleannain Loch Walk is a scenic, 4.2mi circular walk that invites you to take in the beautiful scenery of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and provides the opportunity to explore Rob Roy's Cave. Known as a folk hero in Scotland, outlaw Rob Roy is said to have hidden in the cave in the mid-1700s, and hillwalkers can brave the 8ft drop to explore his hideout on this walk. The hike also features stunning views of Loch Ard and the Ghleannain Loch.
Getting there
From Aberfoyle, take the B829 heading west, and follow signs for the Loch Ard Forestry car park. A few miles west on the B829 will lead you to the parking area found on your left.
About
When to do | Year-Round Access |
Backcountry Campsites | Loch Chon Campsite |
Pets allowed | Yes |
Family friendly | Older Children only |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Circuit |
Loch Ard and Ghleannain Loch Walk
Elevation Graph
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Loch Ard and Ghleannain Loch Walk Description
The Loch Ard and Ghleannain Loch Walk unfolds in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park’s spellbinding landscapes, just west of Aberfoyle, UK. The moderate, circular route is great for dogs and humans alike and features the infamous Rob Roy’s cave hideout. The drop to the cave is around 8ft, and caution should be taken for those looking to explore it. The entire trail is waymarked in red, making for easy navigation.
From the Loch Ard Forestry car park, begin the walk down the track that leads from the parking area, keeping your eyes peeled for the wooden “Inversnaid” sign. Follow the forest trail, veering right where the trail forks. You’ll soon walk past a picnic table and a lovely lochan, which during summer, features beautiful water lilies.
From the Lochan, follow the track uphill through the forest, taking a right at the junction, crossing a barrier. At the next junction, head left, embarking on a downhill stretch. Follow the red waymarkers, veering right onto a wide-open track that opens to Loch Ard. Keep your eyes peeled for the hidden sculpture in the trees, visible from the track.
The trail departs the loch and invites you to continue left at the next junction on a footpath that leads to beautiful views on the shores of Loch Ard. Continue the path through the trees, and you’ll soon stumble upon the famous Rob Roy cave, located directly below the route, which you can explore at your leisure, however, caution should be taken as it’s an 8ft drop to the cave. When the path returns to the main track, take a left and continue the loop back to the starting point. Enjoy views of Ben Lomond on clear days by looking back on the trail as the loop concludes.
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