The Trossachs are a beautiful area of lochs, wooded glens, and rugged hills in central Scotland, forming part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
This guide focuses on lochside and forest walks in the Trossachs which I recommend, ranging from easy, family-friendly routes to more demanding hill walks, all centred around Aberfoyle and Loch Katrine.
Did you know? Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is the largest continuous area of woodland in the Trossachs.
The forest covers around 20,000 hectares on the eastern side of Loch Lomond and stretches north to Strathyre, forming much of what is traditionally known as the Trossachs, the wooded valleys.
→ You might also like my guide to visiting the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Best lochside and forest walks in the Trossachs
The Loch Katrine shore path to Stronachlachar
Distance: up to 11 miles (one way)
Time: 3–4 hours (full length)
Grade: easy
Start & parking: Trossachs Pier
Facilities: café, toilets, bike hire, loch cruises
A wide, accessible lochside track following the north shore of beautiful Loch Katrine. Suitable for walking and cycling, the full route can be shortened by returning via a Loch Katrine steam boat from Stronachlachar.
→ Best for: easy lochside walking, families, cycling, scenery.
→ You might also like my guide to Loch Katrine
Primrose Hill and Loch Katrine circuit
Distance: approx. 7 miles
Time: 3–4 hours
Grade: moderate
Start: Trossachs Pier
Facilities: café, toilets, bike hire
For a more energetic Loch Katrine walk, this woodland circuit climbs to a fine viewpoint before returning via the shore path.
→ Best for: forest walking with views, quieter alternatives to the shore path.
Ben A’an
Distance: approx. 2.5 miles return
Time: 2–4 hours
Grade: moderate
Start & parking: Ben A’an car park (A821, near Loch Achray – paid)
Facilities: cafés, shops, and toilets in Aberfoyle
Often called “the mountain in miniature,” Ben A’an delivers a full Highland experience in a short time. The summit views over Loch Katrine, framed by Ben Venue, are outstanding.
→ Tip: This is a very popular walk, arrive early on sunny days.
Ben Venue
Distance: approx. 9 miles
Time: 5–6 hours
Grade: hard
Start: Ben A’an car park (A821)
Facilities: cafés, shops, and toilets in Aberfoyle
Although Ben A’an is better known, the views from Ben Venue are arguably superior. The climb through woodland is sustained, but the summit panorama across Loch Katrine, Loch Achray, and Loch Venachar is spectacular.
→ Important: proper hiking gear and waterproofs are essential.
Loch Achray Circuit – an easy lochside walk near Aberfoyle
Distance: approx. 3 miles
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Grade: easy
Start & parking: Ben Venue car park (A821)
Facilities: cafés, shops, and toilets in Aberfoyle
This waymarked circular walk follows the shores of Loch Achray and Achray Water, with views of Ben A’an and Ben Venue, plus small waterfalls.
→ Best for: gentle walking, reflections, photography, beginners.
Loch Ard Sculpture Trail & loop
Distance: approx. 4.25 miles
Time: 1.5–2.5 hours
Grade: easy
Start & parking: Loch Ard Forest car park
Facilities: none
A peaceful forest circuit linking Loch Ghleannain and Loch Ard on easy tracks. Sculptures appear along the route, and the lochside section is especially beautiful in autumn and on still days.
→ Best for: quiet forest walking, autumn colour, families.
Loch Venachar Loop
Distance: approx. 12 miles
Time: around 5 hours
Grade: moderate
Start: Glen Finglas car park
Facilities: Achray Farm (seasonal), Brig o’ Turk tearoom, Byre Inn
A long but rewarding circuit combining forestry tracks and lochside paths. The north shore follows the Great Trossachs Path, with plenty of refreshment stops along the way.
→ Best for: full-day walking with facilities en route.
Loch Drunkie circuit
Distance: approx. 2 miles
Time: 1 hour
Grade: easy
Start & parking: Loch Drunkie car park
Facilities: toilets
Two gentle loops circle this quiet loch. One of the lesser-known Trossachs walks, it features musical sculptures, including a large outdoor glockenspiel.
→ Best for: short walks, kids, peaceful surroundings.
Walks at the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre
The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre is the main hub for visitors to the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. With a café, Go Ape treetop adventure, and excellent views, it’s also a great base for short woodland walks.
The Waterfall Trail
Distance: approx. 1 mile
Time: 30 minutes
Grade: easy
Start: Forest Lodge Visitor Centre
A short, family-friendly stroll leading to a dramatic hidden waterfall.
→ Best for: children, quick walks.
The Oak Coppice Trail
Distance: approx 1.5 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Grade: easy
Start & parking: Forest Lodge Visitor Centre
A gentle route through mature oak woodland, especially lovely in spring and autumn.
→ Best for: forest scenery, relaxed walking.
The Great Trossachs Path
The Great Trossachs Path is a 30-mile long-distance route from Inversaig on Loch Lomond to Callander, passing beneath Ben Venue and Ben A’an along Loch Katrine.
Access is via Rowardennan on foot or the Loch Lomond waterbus in summer, with return buses available from Callander.
→ Walk The Great Trossachs Path.
Are the Trossachs good for beginner walkers?
Yes — many routes, including Loch Achray, Loch Katrine shore path, and the Forest Lodge trails, are easy, well-maintained, and clearly waymarked.
What is the easiest lochside walk in the Trossachs?
The Loch Katrine shore path and paths alongside Loch Ard are among the easiest and most scenic lochside walks in the area.
Love from Scotland x
More walking inspiration
You might also like:
→ The best forest walks in Scotland
→ The best loch walks in Scotland
→ My guide to visiting the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
I’m Kate, the Scotland-based travel writer behind Love from Scotland. I share first-hand destination guides and accommodation recommendations across Scotland. Let me help you plan your best ever trip!