Your Motability Scheme car gives you the freedom to travel and explore new places. In this article, Scottish disability blogger and Scheme customer Emma Muldoon discusses one of her favourite accessible road trips around the Three Lochs Forest Drive.
After a long rainy week here in Scotland, we woke up to a beautiful crisp autumn morning. The sun was shining and the clear blue sky instantly lifted our mood, so we thought: “What better way to spend our Friday off work than to enjoy some time out of the house?”
It was the perfect autumn day for a drive, so we headed for the Three Lochs Forest Drive which is situated near Callander and Aberfoyle. This is one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland and so easy to get to from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The town of Callander is only twenty-five minutes from the city centre of Stirling and around one hour drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow by car. A visit to Callander and the Three Lochs Forest drive together would make a great day out.
If you are planning on staying in the area for a few days and exploring the stunning town and surrounding areas then I’d recommend the wheelchair accessible log cabins at Forest Holidays Strathyre. They even have a hot tub with a hoist, which I loved during my stay a few years ago.
The gravel road along the Three Lochs Forest Drive is of good quality although there are some scattered potholes to avoid. It can be slightly bumpy along the way but it’s absolutely worth it to see the magical scenery and surroundings of this part of majestic Scotland.
There are plenty of places to pull in along the track for photos opportunities of the amazing views or to get out and explore or simply enjoy a picnic. A donation of £2 is suggested for entering the forest drive, however blue badge holders go free.
The 7-mile-long Forest Drive takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour on average, but depending on how long you stop for this may be longer. There is a very sensible 10 mph limit and a one-way system throughout the route.
We found it very quiet when we visited and enjoyed stopping to take in the views of Loch Drunkie, Lochan Reòidhte and then finally Loch Achray. The breathtaking beauty and sounds of wildlife really do make this a wonderfully unique experience to be had by everyone.
Although we visited on a sunny autumn day, I think the Three Lochs Forest Drive could be a great wet weather activity too. As a wheelchair user, I was perfectly able to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of my wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV). Even though I could have gotten out I chose to stay in the car, so I’d recommend this drive for other wheelchair users or anyone who may struggle to walk short distances but loves to be immersed in nature.
We took snacks and our favourite mint tea in our #EverydayFreedom flask and enjoyed the peace and quiet.
The Three Lochs Forest Drive is beautiful and well worth doing if you are visiting this area between Callander and Aberfoyle. Afterwards, if you are feeling hungry, Venachar Lochside is a gorgeous boathouse-style restaurant that sits right on the edge of Loch Venachar. If nothing else, go for the views. You won’t be disappointed.
Continuing on the drive you will come across the well-known Brig o’ Turk Tearoom. This dinky little green building would be a good place to stop for a cake and coffee.
There is also The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre located one mile north of Aberfoyle with scenic trails suitable for all, a lovely café and an accessible toilet.
You can read more about accessible travel from Emma on her blog Simply Emma.
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