Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Ben Lomond approaches / Trossachs hills — Parking
Aberfoyle / Queen Elizabeth Forest Park · Grid ref NN 502 017 · FK8 3UX · Free at Aberfoyle main car park; Forestry Scotland charges at some forest car parks
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NN 502 017
- Postcode (satnav)
- FK8 3UX
- Spaces
- ~80
- Cost
- Free at Aberfoyle main car park; Forestry Scotland charges at some forest car parks
- Surface
- tarmac
- Drive from Glasgow
- 1h
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 1h 20m
From the car park
The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park visitor centre is on the A821 approximately 1.5km north-east of Aberfoyle village. Car parks serve both the main village (free) and the forest park visitor centre (charges may apply). The Waterfall Trail starts directly from the visitor centre and reaches Loch Ard in approximately 4km. The Duke's Pass road (A821) is a spectacular scenic drive north through the forest, giving access to Loch Katrine (Trossachs Pier) and further north to Callander.
The walk
The Trossachs area offers a wide range of walks from the visitor centre and Aberfoyle — from gentle forest trails and loch-side paths to the Corbett Ben Venue (729m, 10km return from Loch Achray) and the full Ben Lomond circuit via Rowardennan (30 min drive north). The 7 Stanes mountain biking routes radiate from the forest park. The Rob Roy Way long-distance path passes through Aberfoyle, and Loch Katrine is the start of the Trossachs Watershed walk.
Facilities
- Visitor centre (QEFP)
- Café
- Toilets
- Cycling hire (seasonal)
Busy times
Aberfoyle and the forest park are popular weekend destinations year-round given their proximity to Glasgow (1h) and Edinburgh (1.5h). Summer weekends and bank holidays see heavy visitor numbers. The Duke's Pass (A821) can be very congested in summer — the early morning descent to Callander on weekdays is much more enjoyable. The forest park cycling routes are busy from April to October.
Getting here without a car
First Bus 11 runs from Stirling to Aberfoyle (45 min). In summer, the Trossachs Trundler (a seasonal Sunday bus) connects Aberfoyle, Trossachs Pier and Callander — excellent for car-free exploration of the area. Scottish Citylink serves Stirling from Glasgow and Edinburgh with good connections. Check current seasonal service at stirling.gov.uk.
Winter access
The A821 Duke's Pass over the Trossachs can be snowbound or icy in winter and is not always gritted over the summit. The Aberfoyle village car park and lower forest park trails are generally accessible year-round. The higher forest trails and viewpoints can be icy in winter — the visitor centre staff can advise on current conditions.
Overflow parking
Aberfoyle village car park (Main Street). Overflow at QEFP forest car parks.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:25
- Sunset
- 21:04
- Civil dawn
- 04:38
- Civil dusk
- 21:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What can I do at the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park visitor centre?
- The QEFP visitor centre (operated by Forestry & Land Scotland) has a café, toilets, cycling hire, walking and cycling route information, and serves as the hub for the 7 Stanes mountain biking network in the Trossachs. Waymarked trails from the car park include forest walks and the Waterfall Trail to Loch Ard.
- Is Aberfoyle a good base for Ben Lomond?
- Aberfoyle itself is 30km from the Ben Lomond trailhead at Rowardennan (30 min drive north around Loch Ard). It makes a good area base or overnight stop but is not a direct starting point for the Ben Lomond ascent.
- What is the Trossachs Trundler?
- The Trossachs Trundler is a seasonal Sunday and bank holiday bus service connecting Aberfoyle, Trossachs Pier (Loch Katrine), Brig o' Turk and Callander. It runs in summer only and allows car-free exploration of the Trossachs area. Check current schedules at stirling.gov.uk.
- Is cycling allowed in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park?
- Yes — the forest park has an extensive network of waymarked cycling routes including the 7 Stanes trails (green to black grade). Bike hire is available from the visitor centre in season. The Great Trossachs Path is also popular for cycling between Callander and Loch Katrine.