Explore the forest, and beyond in Strathyre
Forest Rangers
An entire forest at your feet. Let us show you around...
Our Forest Rangers are experts in helping you have fun in the great outdoors. They know the forests like the back of their hand and will help you to understand and connect with the forest. With experiences that are designed to show you the very best of our location, whichever activity you choose, you'll have an unforgettable experience.
Make sure you book in advance as our experiences are popular! Just choose your activity in my account.
Guided Woodland Walk
Suitable for families, groups and couples
With an entire forest waiting to be explored, it’s hard knowing where to start! Join our Forest Rangers for a guided tour, taking in some unforgettable views whilst learning a thing or two about the wildlife who call our forests home.
Mini Forest Rangers
Suitable for families and 5-11 year olds
Become a mini bird detective! Spread your wings and get ready to discover the world of bird spotting and migration. Through exciting games, crafts and immersive activities – put our feathered friends into the spotlight with help from your Forest Ranger.
Little Wild Ones
Suitable for families and pre-schoolers
When imaginations run wild, a love for nature begins to grow. And there’s no better playground than the forest! Your Forest Ranger will guide your tiny explorers through woodland activities and imaginative play – bringing stories to life as they find their first Forest Feeling.
Forest Survival
Suitable for families, groups and couples
It’s the simple things in life — like how to light a fire and build a woodland shelter. Learn it all with your Forest Ranger, then it’s time to relax around the campfire, toast some marshmallows and enjoy a well-deserved cuppa from freshly foraged herbs.
Nature by Night
Available September to March, suitable for all
Evenings in the forest just got even more extraordinary. Join a guided walk as you uncover the world of biofluorescence, using UV light to unveil a whole new world of wonders.
Outdoor adventures
In the forest
- Archery | from £22pp
- Canoeing on Loch Lubnaig | from £22pp
- Axe throwing | from £15
- Paddleboard hire on Loch Lubnaig | from £40
Close by
- Gorge walking discovery | from £45
- Gorge walking adrenalin | from £55
Forest Spa
Unwind with a spa experience like no other, surrounded by the forest and a natural soundtrack outside. Switch off with soothing treatments designed for couples' time, group relaxation, or simply some time just for you.
You'll need to pre-book our in-cabin spa treatments to make sure we can get everything in place for your stay.
Book your spa experience
You'll need to pre-book our in-cabin spa treatments to make sure we can get everything in place for your stay.
Book your spa experience
Bike hire
Looking to explore more of the forest? Venture out for the day on our bikes and discover acres of woodland, or go at your own pace with full break bike hire. There’ll be a helmet and bike lock for you too, so you can keep your bike just outside your cabin door:
Our cycling options:
- Adult bike hire | £18 per day or from £32 per break
- Child bike hire | £15 per day or from £28 per break
- Child seat | from £10
- Tag along | from £20
- Trailer | from £30
Just pre-book in my account, or ask at the Forest Retreat while you're here.
Elvis Owl Nature Trail
Get hands-on in the forest with this brand-new, self-led Forest Nature Trail.
Explore the incredible wildlife around you, get stuck into activities and learn amazing things about nature.
Use your discovery pack and follow our five stepping stones to nature while you get to know your forest friends. See, hear and touch nature all around you... and have an incredible adventure in the forest.
Quiz nights
Come along to our Forest Quiz every Thursday and Saturday! Grab a drink, choose your team name and put your knowledge to the test for a chance to win. It’s free and everyone’s welcome - with special rounds for kids! Join us in the Forest Retreat from 4pm.
Good to know...
You can reserve a table for the quiz by booking in for dinner at the Forest Retreat. Pre-order our Quiz Night specials in my account, or speak to our team while you're here.
Pottery painting
Head to the Forest Retreat and discover your creative side. Choose from a selection of our favourite woodland animals and experiment with spongy foam clay or paint a masterpiece to take away the same day.
Small Bisque - foam or paint | £6.95
Medium Bisque - foam or paint | £10.95
Large Bisque - foam or paint | £13.95
Rainy days
On rainy days, look out for TV messages for any indoor activities we're running. We also have plenty of board games in the Forest Retreat so why not pop in, pick up a game and grab a drink.
Build a Forest Friend
Looking for something to keep little hands busy indoors?
Head to the Forest Retreat, where mini explorers can build their own Forest Friend to join them on their adventures when they’re back outside. You can pre-book yours so they’re ready and waiting for when you arrive.
Local recommendations Strathyre
Pubs and restaurants
Traditional dishes, amazing views, or just the place for a post-walk pint. Take your pick from our top pubs and restaurants close to the forest to get a taste of the local.
Callander and the River Teith
Visit Callander, our nearest town, for lots of options, and stop by the River Teith. 10-minute drive | 25-minutes to the river.
The village of Aberfoyle
Take a drive to the village of Aberfoyle for great pub food. 30-minute drive.
Places to visit
With a National Park and lochs to explore just a short drive away, head out beyond the forest and discover what the area has to offer.
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
A little further out and great for rainy days, take a one hour, 30-minute drive to Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park.
Plan a short 32-minute trip to witness the famous white waters.
Glengoyne Distillery
Explore and taste your way through this one-of-a-kind Scottish experience at Glengoyne Distillery. It's a 45-minute drive to enjoy tours and a little tasting.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Whatever your style, you’ll be sure to find adventure in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a 32-minute drive.
Take your family on a journey from the shores of Loch Lomond through the zones of the deep blue sea! It's a 59-minute drive to the Aquarium.
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
A 30-minute drive away, discover wildlife, breathtaking scenery and a wide range of activities at the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park has all the walking you could wish for, from gentle woodland walks to strenuous mountain climbs. Head for The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre for a range of family walks starting here. More challenging walks will reward you with views over Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine. Or take the Duke’s Trail and look out for red squirrels. Rest up at the Lodge Visitor Centre café, which has one of the best views in Scotland.
Stirling Castle
Enjoy a day out exploring Stirling Castle, a 40-minute drive away.
Walking trails
BLISS trail | up to 50km
Discover the Scottish Thistle Award winning BLISS trail of 25 art and architectural installations linking Strathyre with Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, and St Fillans. Walk, cycle NCR7 or drive around the audio trail... and don't forget your camera!
Callander to Inversnaid | 48.2km
This 48.2km route runs between Callander and Inversnaid and passes through Brig o’ Turk, the Loch Katrine area and Stronachlachar, connecting the Rob Roy Way with the West Highland Way. Whether you commit to the full length of the walk, or choose one of the many shorter or circular routes, it offers a glimpse into the beating heart of natural Scotland, with forest and lochside beauty, mountain views and rare Scottish wildlife.
Rob Roy Way: Callander to Strathyre | 15km
This part of the Rob Roy Way heads out from Callander through forest towards the shores of Loch Lubnaig, continuing along the shore to finish in Strathyre. Strathyre and Callander are linked by bus, so why not split the journey and explore on public transport?
Waterfall Trail | 1.8km
The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park has plenty of different walking trails to choose from, ranging from shorter to longer routes.The Waterfall Trail is a nice and easy stroll, with plenty of beautiful Scottish scenery to take in. Head through the trees to a dramatic waterfall, which appears as if by magic. There are also plenty of places to sit or play along the way.
Ben Ledi | 10km
Strathyre is on the edge of the Trossachs, at the gateway to the Highlands, so you won’t be surprised that there are mountains to conquer. Closest to Strathyre, Ben Ledi is a tough climb, being the highest hill in the Trossachs. Also close by are the Callander Crags (4km), where the views of the town and the valley below are your reward for the climb. Follow the map location to park up and begin your hike!
Rob Roy Way: Strathyre to Killin | 21.5km
The Rob Roy Way is a mighty 128km walk through Scotland, with one stretch of the tour passing through Strathyre into Killin. Walk from A to B, or keep going if you fancy taking in more of the Rob Roy Way!
Cycling trails
Route 7 (partial) | 56km
See waterfalls, forests and rivers (and discover the perfect picnic spot) along part of National Cycling Route 7, which goes straight past our cabins. Scottish Tablet (a favourite local sweet treat). A train station at Balloch will bring you back to Tarbet.
The Duke’s Pass loop | 38km
Start at Callander and tackle the climb to the 38km Duke’s Pass (one of most picturesque mountain biking routes in Scotland). A great day out.
The Glen Finglas loop | 24km
Push your limits while exploring the wilder spots of the Trossachs. This 24km route has serious climbs, swooping downhills and dramatic views. Best for experienced cyclists.
Dog-walking trails
Bring your furry friend on an adventure and explore one of the many forest trails, where acres of woodland and country roads make a great spot for a scamper.
Loch Lubnaig | 6.4km or 14.5km
Here you'll see a stunning stretch of freshwater nestling between two striking mountains: Ben Ledi and Benvane to the south-west, and Ben Vorlich to the north-east. The A84 runs along the eastern side of the loch, which makes access very easy.
The 14.5km trail, between Callander and Strathyre, is a scenic walk. Strathyre, to the north of Loch Lubnaig, is the starting point for plenty of walks, including a short Strathyre Circuit.
Or there’s a 6.4km walk to the 2667ft summit of Beinn Each for the lochside at Ardchullarie More.
There are also plenty of picnic spots en route to enjoy and soak in the views.
Go Ape
Take a trip through the trees, full of adventure! Save 10% on your Go Ape experience when you stay with us, including on Saturdays.
Look out for our emails with offers and activities to book before your stay – they'll include your unique discount code. Aberfoyle is where you'll find your nearest Go Ape, around an hour's drive away (it's also close to our other forest location, Strathyre):
- Go Ape tree top challenge | from £36
- Zip Line Experience | from £22
Activities nearby
Discover local activities and adventures just beyond the forest, and make the most of the unique Scottish landscape.
- Gorge walking - discovery | from £45
- Gorge walking - adrenalin | from £55
Wildlife and trees
Wildlife at Strathyre
What can you spot?
Red Deer
Listen out for the UK’s largest deer early in the morning and just before dusk. Watch as the stags gather in groups on hilltops or visit in September and October for the spectacular-to-see rutting season.
Red squirrel
Rare red squirrels are easy to spot with their tufty ears and russet coats. Most prominent in the winter months, the best time to watch them is morning or late afternoon.
Pine Marten
After years of decline the pine marten is making a comeback. Notice their long bushy tail, brown fur and creamy-yellow throat. If they get curious, you may even see them exploring your outdoor decking area.
Want to learn more about the wildlife here? Book onto a Forest Ranger experience and discover all the secrets of Strathyre!
Trees at Strathyre
Trees you'll find in the forest
Scots pine
Scots pine is one of only three native conifers, and our only native pine. You'll spot this all-year round as its needle-like leaves are evergreen. It’s the perfect habitat for iconic Scottish wildlife such as the red squirrel, as well as animals like the pine marten and Scottish wildcat. Scots pines in southern England are also the main caterpillar foodplant for the pine hawk-moth.
Alder
Alder's natural habitat is moist ground near rivers, ponds and lakes and it thrives in damp, cool areas such as marshes, wet woodland and streams where its roots help to prevent soil erosion. It can grow in drier locations and in mixed woodland too.
The wet conditions found in alder woodland are ideal for a number of mosses, lichens and fungi, and provide food for many caterpillars and insects.
Hazel
With nuts that are eaten by people, squirrels and hazel dormice, the Hazel is a great source of food and shelter for many other creatures. It’s also home to lots of fungi, mosses and lichen.
Hazel supports lots of species of butterfly and ground-nesting birds, and with its bendy stems, it’s used for lots of weaving, thatching and even in gardening – it’s a conservation hero!
Hawthorn
This tree's blossom is a sure sign that spring is turning to summer. The pale green leaves are often the first to appear in spring, with an explosion of pretty pale-pink blossom in May.
Many species of moth caterpillars love feeding on common hawthorn, its flowers are eaten by dormice and they also provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects. The dense, thorny foliage is great nesting shelter for many birds and the fruits, called haws, are rich in antioxidants. They’re eaten by migrating birds such as redwings, fieldfares and thrushes, as well as small mammals.
Wild Cherry
Wild cherry is native throughout the UK and Europe, except the far north, thriving in full sunlight. The spring flowers provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees, while the cherries are eaten by birds like the blackbird and song thrush. Badgers and several species of mouse also love feasting on the fruits, while the cherry’s leaves are the main food plant for many moth caterpillars.
Supporting the forest
We’re more than just a holiday
Nestled within inspiring natural spaces, we offer a unique way to experience and enjoy the UK’s forests, helping you experience and reconnect with nature.
We look after the land we love for us all, protecting wildlife and helping to preserve the forest for the future. By putting nature centre-stage, we give you the best of the outdoors. A sense of freedom and a unique experience, where you feel connected to the forest and to each other. Because you don’t just visit the forest, you really feel it.
And once you’ve found that Forest Feeling, you’ll never let it go.
Let's look after what we love
Help to care for the wildlife around you in small, but important ways. You'll find it's as good for you as it is for nature!
Give nature a helping hand by....
- Creating habitat piles using old logs and branches
- Picking up any litter you see – the forest and wildlife will thank you for it
- Turning off the lights when they’re not in use to reduce energy use
- Using the bins provided to separate your waste and recycle properly
