The Scottish 'fairytale' forest named best for autumn day out by Time Out

Alexander Smail
·2-min read
Autumn colours in the Trossachs, Loch Ard, Ben Lomond, Perthshire, Scotland, November, UK
-Credit: (Image: Dennis Barnes / Getty Images)


A "sublime" Scottish forest has been named one of the "best to visit" in the UK.

It is no secret that the autumn months are possibly the best time of year for a woodland walk. With Scotland's landscapes turning gorgeous shades of yellow and orange, an afternoon out and about in nature can be a magical experience.

To help those stuck on where to head for a forest walk, Time Out has just published a list of the "13 best forests to visit in the UK". Topping the list, and the only Scottish destination to be included, is Loch Ard Forest.

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Situated between Aberfoyle and the foothills of Loch Lomond, Loch Ard Forest is set against the dramatic backdrop of Ben Lomond. The forest features a wide variety of walking and hiking paths, and even a few cycling trails.

According to Forestry and Land Scotland, some of the top walks include the Forth Valley Viewpoint Trail and the Eight Mile Loop. The former takes around an hour in total and features sweeping views out over the Forth Valley, while the latter is a more challenging hike that should take approximately five and a half hours to complete.

Describing Loch Ard Forest, Time Out said it is a "sublime body of trees, hiding both natural and manmade wonders". The magazine also praised the forest's rare wildlife, with species such as roe deer, red squirrels, and ospreys calling it home.

Photo taken in Aberfoyle, United Kingdom
Loch Ard looks straight out of a picture book -Credit:EyeEm Mobile GmbH / Getty Images

For those looking to spot some of the forest's amazing animals, its wildlife hide will give you a chance to see some of the ones that live by the loch. Meanwhile, there are also various interactive seats and shelters that will provide younger visitors a chance to explore and learn interesting facts about the local wildlife.

Elsewhere, Loch Ard Forest also features a unique sculpture trail. Passing by a number of incredible sights, it gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about the forest's ecosystem while also offering spectacular views.

Time Out wrote: "When it comes to fantastical, lore-inspiring forests, the UK certainly does it better than most. It’s labyrinthine layouts, wise old oak trees and leafy little sanctuaries galore out here, so no wonder our greenery has inspired so many myths, legends and fairytales."

Other forests to appear on the roundup include Gwydir Forest in Wales and Ashdown Forest in England. For the full list of the 13 best forests to visit in the UK, check out the Time Out website.

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