Cashel Forest

Cashel Entrance

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 many the highlights of East Loch Lomond. The entrance is close to Cashel Campsite.

 

What is Cashel Forest?

Originally a sheep farm, it was acquired by the Royal Scottish Forestry Society in 1996 to create a new native forest for Scotland. Twenty-five years on, Cashel Forest Trust look after this magnificent landscape as a source of pleasure, wonder and learning for visitors.

Despite East Loch Lomond being extremely busy, this oasis of calm often is much quieter as it is lesser known than its more famous neighbouring honeypots. Cashel's large visitor centre building offers two fully accessible toilets by the car park.

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Cashel Paths

Cashel has a network of 5 circular walking routes that offer 8261 metres of well-made and maintained public footpaths, including three designated as 'least restricted' for all-abilities access - a rarity in this part of the National Park. The trails have benches and picnic tables at regular intervals, many with unrivalled views across Loch Lomond.

Cashel Forest Trust looks after 300 acres of ancient and restored native woodland and is home to diverse wildlife, including badgers who leave signs of their presence on-site with 'snuffle holes' and scratching posts offering clues to keen-eyed visitors. Cashel is one of the areas of the National Park where the numbers of Red Squirrels are increasing.

On a recent visit, I enjoyed following the black markered Pine Path, a moderate 5.7km route, which takes around 3-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 that have been created to allow you to spend some time enjoying the fabulous views across Loch Lomond and some of its islands.

Your car park fee of £3 goes towards the upkeep of Cashel and helps to fund their ranger, Emma. Emma is very friendly and knowledgeable (and helped me with research for this guide), she has an infectious and positive enthusiasm for this forest. So take a tip from us and visit Cashel (before the crowds find out about it.)

Plan Your Visit 

If you plan to visit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, consider ordering our book ‘101 things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs’, a photo guidebook of things to do and places to explore. Click here to purchase. 

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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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