The Trossachs, Stirling
★★
The vast forests of the Trossachs explode into a spectacular array of fiery colours around late October, making this part of the National Park one of the best parts of Scotland to visit during autumn. Tracks around the south side of Loch Ard offer occasional glimpses across the sheltered waters of the loch, eventually revealing an ultimate, quintessential Trossachs vista on the higher return route. Long stretches of track could be a bit dull, especially at other times of the year (hence the lower star rating); nevertheless it’s a good spot to immerse yourself in peaceful surroundings.
Chronological photo guide
Location
Start / finish on minor road immediately south of Kinlochard
O.S. Grid Reference: NN 447020
GPS coordinates: 56.185493,-4.503515
No public transport within 1 mi
Car park
Key info
11 km / 7 mi | ▲ 350 m |
3 hr
Features:
Loch Ard
⬤ Moderate | Excellent forest tracks almost throughout; two short, steep paths link track sections.
Clockwise circuit: start – Blairhullichan – Couligarten – track along shore at
NN 461015 – leave track at
NN 464007 – rejoin higher track at
NN 463004 – aqueduct on north side of Druim nan Mial – leave track at
NN 446014 – start




















On our last visit
Wildlife: A red squirrel, ducks on the loch, small birds and distant deer noises.
Weather: Low cloud lifting after overnight rain; soon mostly sunny (at low levels) with little wind and temperature in single figures.
October 2016
Lovely pictures, and I really like the fact there's a map of the walk too!