Camping in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

This classic introduction to the park’s lovely treescape runs through forest scenery, and is doable by car. The 7-mile route brushes Lochan Reoidhte, Loch Drunkie, and Loch Achray, around which cyclists and hikers can create tailor-made routes. The loch shores with their charming picnic areas make delightful wild camping—just procure permits if pitching between March and September. The drive starts on Duke’s Pass, two miles north of Aberfoyle.

Far-reaching Queen Elizabeth Forest Park encompasses several smaller (but by no means tiny) forests, including Strathyre Forest north of Callander. The forest intersects with the Balquhidder road, which forges west below the Braes of Balquhidder at Kingshouse. The whole area is incredible for outdoor adventures, and camping can be found around the forest-flanked River Balvag. Wild camping terrain switches from sheltered along Strathyre to increasingly rugged beyond Balquhidder. The long-distance Rob Roy Way runs through Strathyre, named for the famous outlaw who frequented this area.

Great Britain’s biggest freshwater lake, Loch Lomond marks the divide between lowland and highland Scotland to all passing on the main road north from Glasgow. While the western shoreline has the road, most facilities, and most crowds, the east is quieter. Accessed via a dead-end road from Drymen, 10 miles south of Aberfoyle, several organised campsites occupy this peaceful stretch, which forms the long-distance West Highland Way. There are hikes to Scotland’s southernmost Munro, Ben Lomond, too.