Three Lochs Forest Drive: How to Visit
Thinking of visiting Three Lochs Forest Drive and wondering how the park works? I’ve visited dozens of times and camped out, so I’ve got first-hand experience of everything you need to know.
As you make your way to around the scenic Loch Lomond & Trossachs, you’ll find the wonderful Three Lochs Forest Drive. This stretch of gravel road, in the heart of the National Park, is a 7-mile route through the Queen Elizabeth Forest. Along the way, there are three stunning lochs and heaps of walking trails.
It’s one of my favourite places to visit for a day outdoors, plus it’s a beautiful place to wild camp.
I’ve visited the Three Lochs Forest Drive countless times over the last few years and have even stayed overnight in my campervan. So I know a lot about how to have the best experience here.
In this guide I’m sharing everything there is to know about visiting Three Lochs Forest Drive, including camping locations, how to get a permit, and the best views.
Three Lochs Forest Drive - Loch Achray
Three Lochs Forest Drive - what to expect
The Three Lochs Forest Drive is a 7-mile road that runs through 50,000 acres of forest park and three picturesque lochs. It’s a one-way route tucked away in the middle of the Trossachs National Park, not far from Loch Lomond. It also has the most amazing views over nearby mountains Ben A’an and Ben Venue. Rich in wildlife, woodlands, lochs, and sandy beaches, Three Lochs Forest Drive is a special place and perfect for being completely immersed in nature.
There are plenty of places to park up along the way, so you can get out of your car and explore or take photos.
You’ll find a wide range of activities in the Three Lochs Forest Drive, like miles of walking trails to explore. Plus, the route is cycle friendly and you can visit by bike. Also you’re never far from the water’s edge, and you can canoe, swim, paddle, or SUP in the sparkling lochs you’ll pass along the way.
Tip / The road surface is quite rough and rocky, though perfectly manageable for most vehicles. Be prepared however for your car being covered in dust when you leave!
The Three Lochs
There are three lochs in the drive. In the order you’ll pass them, the lochs are:
Lochan Reòidhte
Loch Drunkie
Loch Achray
Three Lochs Forest Drive Map
The Three Lochs Forest Drive is a one-way route, and you need to enter at the correct side. The entrance is located just outside of Aberfoyle, and to get there take the A821 (better known as Duke’s Pass) and watch out for the entrance on the right. Don’t worry, its well signposted and around 2-miles along the road.
You can find a Three Lochs Forest map here.
Three Lochs Forest opening times
Entry to the Three Lochs Forest Drive is £3. You can pay with money or card, but I’d recommend bringing cash.
Three Lochs Forest Drive is open daily between 9am and 4pm and the exit barrier completely closes at 5pm. How long you spend in the Three Lochs Forest Drive is completely up to you. Whilst the road itself is short, you have to drive at 10mph, so it’s a slow journey. Plus, you’ll want a few hours to walk the trails, swim, picnic, and take in those incredible views.
Also, the road is only open to vehicles between April and October, though you can walk or cycle at any time of year.
Three Lochs Forest - Facilities
The vast majority of the facilities in the Three Lochs Forest Drive are located at Loch Drunkie, where you’ll find a picnic area and toilets, plus heaps of parking. You can find out more here.
But in all honesty there aren’t any other facilities in the Drive, and that means you need to bring everything you need. Most especially, food and water. Before entering Three Lochs Forest Drive, make a point of stopping in the village of Aberfoyle to collect anything you need, where you’ll find a Co-Op and cafes with takeaway.
Finally, once inside the Three Lochs Forest Drive, you can stop at Achray Farm (towards the end of the route). There’s a stall selling the most delicious goat’s milk ice cream and it is so worth the stop.
Three Lochs Forest - Walks
There are heaps of options for walking in the Three Lochs Forest Drive. Most are gravel, earth, or forest tracks. But, as you can imagine, most Three Lochs Forest walks are woodland trails.
Each walk meanders through peaceful forests, whilst some also follow the shores of the loch. As you wander amongst the oak and birch trees watch out for red squirrels and deer hiding in the leafy canopy. Usually these are short and easy to follow. Though you won’t need hiking boots, I’d still recommend having walking shoes as some of the walks have uneven sections.
Here are some of the best Three Lochs Forest walks to explore:
Loch Achray Trail: a reasonably easy 1.2km woodland walk.
Loch Drunkie Trail: also reasonably easy, this slightly longer 1.9km has beautiful loch views.
NCN7 Trail: this is a long-distance trail, and my favourite walk in the Three Lochs Forest Drive. Join from either Lochan Reoidhte (woodland walk) or Loch Drunkie (loch side walk) for the most gorgeous scenery. Keep an eye out for the blue signpost, and simply walk as far as you want before turning back.
Ben A’an: this small but steep mountain isn’t inside the Three Lochs Forest Drive, but it is easy to get to from the exit point. If you’re looking for a hike with gorgeous views, this 4-hour walk is perfect.
Three Lochs Forest Drive - Swim, SUP, or Kayak
There are many places to swim along Three Lochs Forest Drive. Each of the three lochs are beautiful but Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray are probably the best for a swim (or canoe or SUP). The waters are pristine and sheltered and there are places to park up close by.
The water here does tend to be cold, even in summer, and I’d recommend having towels, warm clothes, and a hot drink waiting in your car. As there are no cafes in the drive itself, bring a picnic and flask. Or collect food in advance from one of the many bistros in nearby Aberfoyle.
Three Lochs Forest Drive – Camping and Campervans
If you want to immerse yourself in nature, then camp in the Three Lochs Forest Drive. There are many designated camping spots across the drive for both tents and campervans, and you can stay for a maximum of three nights. Anyone staying overnight can also arrive after the gate closes at 5pm - your booking confirmation has a telephone number, where an automated message gives late arrivals an access code.
Tents
For tents, there are two options. Firstly, cleared flat spots scattered across the park. These are remote and properly wild camping areas, usually grassy but sometimes stony, and can be either in the trees or by the water.
You need to book your camping spot in advance, and when booking you’ll be able to choose your zone - though what is available completely depends on how busy the Drive is. But you can book up to four weeks in advance and I highly recommend booking as quickly as possible. Once you arrive, head to your zone, which are marked with orange/grey signposts.
Alternatively, you can book a spot in the informal camp ground at Loch Achray. Remember though this is still wild camping, and the only facilities are toilets - come prepared with everything you need!
Book your camping place here.
Campervans
Much like tents, there are designated spots for campervans all along the Three Lochs Forest Drive. I can confirm it’s a gorgeous place to stay for a few nights, with dark skies and only the sounds of nature. Be warned though, there’s no campervan facilities in the Three Lochs, and you will need to be totally self-sufficient.
Again, you need to book your campervan spot in advance, and you’ll choose a zone when booking. Now, each zone is very different and not all zones are created equal. In fact, some zones are significantly better than others in terms of views and peacefulness.
You’ll find a short description on the booking site, but my top tip is to look through the images to find the best spots. Book your campervan place here.
Permits / Bookings
One absolutely essential thing you’ll need to camp in the Three Lochs Forest is a formal booking - or you can’t stay.
This booking is also known as a permit, which costs £4 per night, but this cost covers your permit and camping spot. Remember, you also need to pay the Three Lochs Forest Drive entry fee (£3) - but that’s a one-off fee regardless of how many nights you stay and you can pay online when booking your pitch.
To give you some background, camping (for tents and campervans) is restricted across the entire Trossachs National Park from March to September, and this includes the Three Lochs Forest Drive. Essentially it means there are limited camping places, so you’ll need to book in advance to guarantee a spot.
Buy your permit here.
