Cashel Forest

Cashel Entrance

Cashel Forest, located on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, has unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance. This enchanting woodland allows visitors to connect with nature, explore rich biodiversity, and experience Scotland’s wild landscapes in all their glory.

Where is Cashel Forest?

Cashel Native Forest (Cashel) is a hidden gem, one of the most beautiful undiscovered attractions in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. It is just a few miles north of Balmaha, accessed from the scenic lochside road to Rowardennan, one of the highlights of East Loch Lomond. The entrance is close to Cashel Campsite.

 

Cashel a Forest Reborn

Cashel Forest is not just a scenic destination; it’s also a living example of ecological restoration. Over the past few decades, this area has been part of a major reforestation project aimed at restoring Scotland’s ancient woodlands. Native tree species like Scots pine, oak, birch, and rowan have been carefully planted and nurtured, creating a diverse and thriving habitat for wildlife.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to combat climate change, improve biodiversity, and restore Scotland’s natural heritage. Walking through Cashel Forest, you can witness the incredible results of these efforts, with young trees standing tall and ecosystems teeming with life.

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Cashel Paths

Scenic Trails for All Abilities

Cashel Forest offers a range of walking trails that cater to different fitness levels and interests. These well-marked paths allow visitors to immerse themselves in the woodland’s serenity while enjoying breathtaking views of Loch Lomond and its surrounding hills.

The Lochside Trail

For an easy and accessible walk, the Lochside Trail is ideal. This gentle route meanders along the shore of Loch Lomond, offering stunning vistas of the water and its islands. The trail is perfect for families with young children or anyone looking for a stroll. Along the way, you’ll find picnic spots where you can pause to take in the tranquil scenery.

The Woodland Trail

The Woodland Trail is a moderate route that takes you deeper into the forest. As you wander through groves of birch, oak, and pine, look for wildlife such as red squirrels, roe deer, and a variety of birds. Interpretive signs along the trail provide insights into the forest’s ecology and history, making it an educational as well as a scenic one.

The Summit Trail

For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Summit Trail offers a rewarding climb to the top of Tom nan Clag, a hill within the forest. The ascent is steep in places, but the panoramic views from the summit are well worth the effort. On a clear day, you can see as far as Ben Lomond to the north and the Arrochar Alps to the west. This trail is best suited for experienced hikers with sturdy footwear and a good fitness level.

On a recent visit, I enjoyed following the black-markered Pine Path, a moderate 5.7km route that takes around three hours to walk.

The fantastic views were similar to Conic Hill's, unsurprising as it is close by and visible in places from the path. The difference with Cashel was there was no one else there! I walk Conic Hill regularly, and it's been a long time since I've had it to myself, regardless of the time of day or year.

The other difference is the viewpoint areas, which were created to allow you to enjoy the fabulous views across Loch Lomond and some of its islands.

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Wildlife Watching

Cashel Forest is a haven for wildlife, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts. The reforestation efforts have created a rich habitat that supports a wide range of species. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting woodland birds such as chaffinches, woodpeckers, and buzzards. If you’re lucky, you might even glimpse a golden eagle soaring overhead.

Mammals are also a highlight of the forest’s ecosystem. Once in decline across the UK, red squirrels are thriving here thanks to conservation efforts. Roe deer can often be seen grazing in clearings, and otters occasionally appear along the loch’s edge. For those with a keen eye, the forest floor reveals signs of smaller creatures like hedgehogs, voles, and insects that play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Your car park fee of £3 goes towards the upkeep of Cashel.

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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