


Cashel Forest hike
View PhotosCashel Forest hike
Difficulty Rating:
The Cashel Forest walk is a short hike with a quick ascent. This route offers some superb views across Loch Lomond. There are several marked route options from the start point, with this option being the middle length.
Getting there
From Drymen, take the B837 North to Balmaha. The road follows the east shores of Loch Lomond. In under 11.3km you’ll arrive at the Cashel Native Forest car park, it is signposted and on the right. Parking is free of charge.
About
When to do | Year round |
Backcountry Campsites | No |
Toilets | No |
Family friendly | Yes |
Route Signage | Good |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Loop |
Cashel Forest
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Cashel Forest
From the Cashel Native Forest car park, there are three way marked route options, all of varying length. The route described here is the middle-distance route, and it is clearly marked by red markers on wooden posts throughout the circuit.
Continue past the far end of the Visitor Centre building, joining the forest track that leads through the iron gate and uphill. The red route follows this track for 1.5km, switch backing uphill. At this point, the markers will direct you off to the right, following a narrower footpath that crosses the hillside.
Shortly, along this section, there is the option to detour off to the right to a grassy knoll that provides exceptional views out over Loch Lomond and its scattered islands. Make sure you return to the main path after enjoying the views, and turn right to continue the circuit.
The path cuts across the hillside for a further 300m before dropping down to the right and beginning the descent.
It initially drops steeply, alongside a dry stonewall, and then it veers right and begins a gentler descent. Continue to follow the red markers. Eventually you’ll emerge at the back of the Visitor Centre. Pass the Visitor Centre with the buildings to your left to return to the car park.
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 good route with the kids. There are lots of areas to explore.
Head to Balmaha for refreshments. There’s a pub, café and shop!
You can easily drop down to the shores of Loch Lomond at Cashel Camping & Forest Park, which is opposite the Visitor Centre (a right and then your first left).
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ShirleySyk 7 months ago
What an amazing hike through the forest. I recommend it to everyone
Felix Legrand 8 months ago
Fantastic walk with many interesting sights on route
Bret Yates 9 months ago
Simply amazing! It's not entirely easy, but it's extremely worth it.
Matthew Zielinski 1 year ago
We started 8am and the parking was nice. There were not many people on the trail while we were climbing, but plenty of them when we're heading back.
Emily Jakub 2 years ago
The cool breeze at the top was great! Love the smell of the woods. There were some steep drops along the dry stone wall, but everything will get easier from there. Don't forget to take lots of pictures.
Ben Cammin 2 years ago
Nice exploratory area. So much to see and discover. Not that crowded.
Jordan Burke 2 years ago
The awe-inspiring scenery at the top was remarkable! It was way beyond what I've expected.
David Kwan 2 years ago
Trail was fantastic! The quick ascend to the top was not that hard and perfectly fine for my kids. Views were beautiful and we love this hike.
Terrance Gyro 2 years ago
Stunning trail. Lots of wild flowers in the meadows. We enjoyed this so much.
grahamjones 2 years ago
beautiful short hike to get to see some amazing scenery