The Lodge Visitor Centre

The Lodge Visitor Centre, the building long known as the David Marshall Lodge, sits a mile north of Aberfoyle on the A821 as the road begins its climb over the Duke’s Pass. Run by Forestry and Land Scotland, it is the main gateway to Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and a natural first stop for walkers, cyclists and families heading into the Achray and Loch Ard forests.

The centre building looks out over the Menteith hills from a terrace, with the Bluebell cafe and a gift shop selling local crafts and maps inside. A wildlife room carries live camera feeds from a nearby osprey nest in season and from the resident red squirrels, with staff on hand for advice and recent sightings. Admission to the centre is free; the only charge is for parking.

Trails fan out from the car park to suit most abilities. A gentle surfaced route leads to the Waterfall Trail and the monument to the Women’s Timber Corps, while longer waymarked paths climb through tall conifers to rocky viewpoints above the glen. Younger visitors have a play area along the Waterfall Trail and the Lumber Jill maze near the centre.

Go Ape operates its treetop adventure course in the woods here, with high ropes, crossings and two of the longest zip lines in the country, booked separately. The Lodge, A821, Aberfoyle, FK8 3SX. Opening hours shorten through the winter; current times, parking charges and Go Ape bookings via the Forestry and Land Scotland website or on 0300 067 6615.