Longer loop in Queen Elizabeth forest
Length
29.7 Kms
Elevation gain
621.1 m
Max elevation
188.8 m
Difficulty
**
Rating
***
Type
Loop
Route id
560
Main road
0 Kms
Country road
4 Kms
Dirt road
22.8 Kms
Dirt path
3 Kms
Trail
0 Kms
0
Route summary
The Longer loop in Queen Elizabeth forest route is a trail run within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. The loop covers a distance of 29.73 Kms ( 18.47 miles )
and has an elevation gain of 621 m ( 2038 feet )
.
Description
Another variation of a route from Aberfoyle which creates a larger route to explore. This is an extension of the Loch Ard forest route, number 485, and adds in a different and slightly longer final loop.
We have done this route several times but it always seems harder than it should be. Perhaps due to the elevation or perhaps due to the heavy rain that seems to follow us on this one.
The route starts off from the main car park in the village, crosses the old bridge and heads past the ruined church towards the forest. The first
2 Kms
are on tarred road but that
soon stops and you are on forest roads for most of the remainder of the run. There is a a fair bit of climb on this route but nothing too difficult
and you are rewarded with many nice views.
At just past the
7 Kms
mark you cross the old bridge over Duchray water and head up a zig zag of a path. From the bridge onwards you
will see many parts of the old Victorian water system taking water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow. Very impressive the structures. The path
is taking you towards Kinlochard, but you head off on the path taking the high route past the village. Although still in trees,
they do occasionally open up to allow you to see the views. This part of the route can be a bit of a gradual uphill slog at times.
Just after
14 Kms
you follow the path to the left and some more uphill. This part and for the next 5 Kms
you are mainly out in the
open and this is where the really heavy rain is likely to come on. OK, perhaps that's just for us.
The final
10 Kms
is a mix of ups and downs and in amongst the trees. One nice thing about this route is that the final 6 Kms
are mostly
downhill or on the flat. The downhill sections are nearly all easy running.
Route directions
Kms
1
Start at the car park. Head out of the car park towards the old bridge. This is the other direction from the Woolen Mill.
0
2
Turn left over the bridge
0.1
3
The road goes from tarmac to trail. From here there is no more tarmac.
1.1
4
Keep to the right of the fork and follow the path as it swings round.
1.6
5
At the fork follow the path to the right.
1.8
6
At the T juntion turn left. The next turn is about 10m away.
2.5
7
Turn to the right and follow the path up the hill.
2.6
8
Keep following the path as it starts the descent.
3.6
9
At the bottom of the hill facing the stables turn left.
4.7
10
Turn left up the hill at the junction with the entrance to the castle. Keep on this path.
5.2
11
At the bottom of the hill turn left at the T junction.
6.1
12
Keep on the main path. You can now see the Duchray water bridge.
7.3
13
Cross the bridge turn left, and follow the zig zags all the way up.
7.7
14
At top of the hill turn left and follow the path.
8.2
15
At the four way junction cross the road and head straight on.
9.9
16
Take the left fork in the road
10
17
Keep straight on
13.3
18
Turn left following the road uphill
14.3
19
At the tee at the bottom of the hill turn left
15.6
20
Keep straight on
17.1
21
Just before the aquduct turn right
19.6
22
Keep to the main path, over the bridge and up the hill.
20.3
23
At the bottom of the hill turn left.
21.3
24
Keep on the main path. You are now on a short section of path you have been on already.
22.4
25
Take the path to the right going up the hill. There is a big iron pipe here.
22.5
26
Go up the hill, the toughest part of the route but it is not too long.
23.2
27
At 3 way junction turn left and stay on this main path.
25.9
28
Keep following the main path.
27.2
29
You are now back to a part of the path you started on. So follow this path all the way back to Aberfoyle
27.9
30
Follow the main path heading left.
28.9
31
Once over the bridge the car park is on your right.
29.7
32
The end of the route.
29.8
Aberfoyle car park
Parking is free in the large town car park and shops are close by if you have forgotten anything. There is also the tourist infromation centre at the main entrance to the car park.
Coming down the hill towards stables
This is the first real open view on the ro
Coming down the hill towards stables
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Coming down the hill towards stables
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Coming down the hill towards stables
When it is snowing the run down this section can be hard going. It seems to have either too much snow or thick ice - perhaps one day we will get it with just a small fresh covering.
Duchray water bridge
Bridge and viaduct over Duchray water. A fine example of Victorian build.
Duchray water bridge
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Duchray water bridge
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Pump house
Heading towards the old pump house for the viaduct.
Pump house
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
View from pump house
Take a little detour and climb the grassy slope up to the pump station.
Viaduct
One of the many viaducts this route takes you past.
Second viaduct
Another viaduct on the route
Viaduct
More Victorian engineering
Heading past Kinlochard
Wet weather ahead
Heading past Kinlochard
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Higher up the hill
Where is the sunshine
Higher up the hill
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Higher up the hill
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Higher up the hill
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Higher up the hill
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Higher up the hill
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Open countryside
Back towards the village
Turning point
Looking towards the hills
Turning point
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Path from Kinlochard
A really nice spot on the run in amongst the trees
View from up top the viaduct
Climb up the grassy slope to get some intersting pictures
View back toward viaduct
Another viaduct view
Last hill
The last climb on the route, which is also the highest.
Last hill
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Last hill
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
Not a gravestone
Looks a little like a gravestone, but is actually a marker for one of the vent shafts on the water route.
Back to Aberfoyle
Aberfoyle looking very splendid in the winter sunshine
Back to Aberfoyle
Image from Aberfoyle past the tower
End and back at the car park
Shops are available on the main road from the car park. Also a good picnic area and tourist information centre.