Lochan Spling hike
View PhotosLochan Spling hike
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Lochan Spling is a great Scottish walk for the whole family. Although just a short distance from the busy tourist town of Aberfoyle, you will find yourself in a calm and quiet spot surrounded by spectacular Scottish scenery.
Getting there
Follow the A81 to Aberfoyle, then take the A821 to Aberfoyle. Once in Aberfoyle follow signs for the parking at the Scottish Wool Centre in the middle of the town. Parking here is free of charge.
About
When to do | Year round |
Backcountry Campsites | No |
Toilets | Yes, at trailhead |
Family friendly | Yes |
Route Signage | Good |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Lollipop |
Lochan Spling
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Lochan Spling
Cross the car park to the east towards a path. Go right on the path, leading down towards the River Forth. At the river turn right and follow the river to a minor road where you will turn left and cross the River Forth on a pretty stone bridge. A short distance further up the road, turn right up along Duchray Road, which will be the third turn off to the right.
Follow this road. Soon the road turns from tarmac to a rougher forest track. Continue ahead.
After 0.8mi, at the junction take the path leading off to the right signposted to `Inversnaid’. At the T-junction at the end of this track, turn left towards the shores of Lochan Spling. As you near the shores of the Lochan, drop down to the left beside a carved wooden bench to view a beautiful metal sculpture of a pike.
When you’re ready to continue, rejoin the main track and continue with Lochan Spling to your left. A little distance further again the track drops down to the shores to see a second sculpture of a dragonfly. The track now veers away from the Lochan to the right before eventually reaching another signposted junction. Turn left here, soon you will spot the third and final sculpture—this one of an osprey—to your right. There are some great views down the valley along this section.
At the next junction turn left, you will see glimpses of Lochan Spling through the trees. After 0.6mi you will rejoin the outward route, retrace your steps to Aberfoyle.
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 great route for little ones on bikes.
Remember to look out for the sculptures, go down to the water’s edge for the best views.
This makes for a great evening stroll for those staying in Aberfoyle.
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Fran Cine 4 years ago
Good for kids. Great for a swim too!
Nick Jolas 4 years ago
There no other place that feels more Scottish than this hike. It was a good hike with decent views. Guess the odds were in favor of me because the sky was so blue.
Fred Kingston 4 years ago
Super short and kids-friendly. The trail was very nice and pretty straightforward. There are plenty of interesting things to see along the way.
Roman Adrimi 4 years ago
Great hike. We didn't sweat that much and we both enjoyed the scenery and the peacefulness of the trail.
ShirleySyk 4 years ago
A lovely walk, my husband and I enjoyed it
Julia A. 5 years ago
Pretty trail. The sculptures were interesting!
Antoni L. 5 years ago
Absolutely beautiful hike. Not very crowded and very peaceful!
Faiz P. 5 years ago
Effortless but rewarding hike! Enjoyed the tranquility of nature. Great place to reflect.
Emily Jakub 5 years ago
It's a fun short hike to do, but don't go too early because It’s really foggy in the morning, so you may not get the best view.
Jordan Burke 5 years ago
We had so much fun during our picnic here. Surprisingly, there were no other people around for a couple of hours. We had the whole place to ourselves.