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Beat the 3 Lochs

Three lochs. One epic challenge. Will you beat the Three Lochs this summer for Marie Curie?
19 Jun 2027
Aberfoyle, Scotland
Beat the Trails
14+
Entry fee: 13 miles £23 | 21 miles £32
Fundraising pledge £207
Beat the 3 Lochs

Will you beat the incredible three lochs?

Can you beat our 3 lochs trek in the heart of The Trossachs National Park? Choose between our 21 mile trail, taking in Loch Venachar, Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray, or our 13-mile trail which will see you navigate a route to our 'unofficial' Loch Hardy, Loch Venachar and Loch Drunkie. Whether you sign up to stride solo or with friends and family, Beat the 3 Lochs will be an unforgettable experience. We'll be with you every step of the way, offering tailored training plans in the lead up to the hike and waiting for you with a glass of bubbly and medal at the finish line. Beat the Trails for Marie Curie and help people get the best care possible, to the end. Please note there is free park and ride for this event which will be located at Drymen Showfield.

About the route

Starting at the rustic and picturesque Dounans Activity Centre nestled in the foothills of the stunning Achray Forest, the routes head up into the forest on the longest incline of the day before joining the Three Lochs Forest Drive and reaching the first of our lochs at the serene Loch Drunkie.

13 mile trail

  1. Forest to Venachar: From Loch Drunkie, we'll descend down through the forest to the stunning Loch Venachar and enjoy some tranquil Loch side walking before making our way back up into the forest to follow well-trodden trails.
  2. Loch Hardy ascent: Our third and final 'Loch' in little 'Loch Hardy', or 'Stank Loch' will be well worth the incline with the amazing views of Loch Venachar and Ben Ledi beyond on offer from its elevated position.

21 mile trail

  1. Achray Forest views: From Loch Drunkie we'll head deep into the Achray Forest to pick up beautifully maintained trails that will take us to the edge of the stunning Loch Achray, capturing breathtaking views of the 'mini mountain' Ben A'an across the water.
  2. Achray to Venachar: We'll continue along Loch side to move from Loch Achray to Loch Venachar to enjoy woodland, beautiful loch views and local wildlife before making our way back up into the forest to follow well-trodden trails.
  3. Rob Roy finale: We'll then follow the forest trail back towards Aberfoyle picking up the famous Rob Roy Way for miles of iconic Troassachs views along the Menteith Hills and over towards Loch Lomond before reaching the Dounans finish line...where you'll be awarded with your Beat the Trails medal and the well-deserved glass of fizz!
The route is fully signed and our support teams can help keep you on track. The routes are subject to permission and changes. In the unlikely event of any changes, we'll be sure to let all participants know of any updates to the route.

Route starting and finishing point

Aberfoyle
FK8 3UT
View larger map

Route difficulty

The difficulty level is general moderate for participants arriving trained and prepared to walk these distances and gradients.

Difficulty rating

  • 13 miles: 3/10
  • 21 miles: 4/10
(1 Being equal to walking a flat riverside walk, 10 being equal to climbing a UK mountain).

Terrain

You can expect mostly well-maintained compacted gravel tracks, but with stretches of woodland trails and open field footpaths. Please note under 18s must be accompanied by an adult
Beat the Trail participant with walking poles

Route options and profiles

13-mile route

Ideal for newcomers, the 13‑mile three lochs trail offers beautiful views and a manageable, steady challenge, usually completed in 3 to 7 hours.
Beat The Trails elevation imagery 3 Lochs short route

21-mile route

For seasoned trekkers, this 21‑mile three lochs trail offers a tougher, more satisfying experience, taking roughly 6 to 11 hours.
Beat The Trails elevation imagery 3 Lochs long route

What to expect

Beat the Trails participants with coffee and pastries

Enjoy refreshments

Get a free hot drink and pastry before you start, and enjoy the treat stops along the route
Beat the Trails merchandise

Merchandise

Celebrate your achievement by picking up some goodies at our merchandise stall.
Beat the Trails participants

Get professional photos

An event photographer will be on hand to capture the moments that make your challenge unforgettable.
Beat the Trails participants with medals

Receive your medal

Celebrate beating the lochs with your finisher’s medal and a glass of bubbly.

Beat the 3 Lochs in action

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How we support you

Fundraising pack and support

Kick‑start your Three Lochs fundraising with tips to help you smash your target, plus support from the moment you sign up.

Beat the Trails hub

Your online hub for your event day guide, kit lists, training guide and everything you need for the Three Lochs challenge.

Community

Get friendly, hands‑on support from your community fundraisers. They'll help you with fundraising and any questions that pop up.

Exclusive incentives

Rewards to celebrate your fundraising milestones through your three Lochs journey

How your fundraising helps

The nurses are currently based in 23 GP practices in the area, with a further eight practices set to join the scheme in the coming months.

£32

could help fund an hour of hospice bereavement counselling.

£60

could help pay for a uniform for a Marie Curie Nurse.

£207

could help fund nine hours of overnight nursing care.

£530

could help fund our Companions service to support a family at home for a year.

We're happy to help

If you have any questions, we're more than happy to help. Call us on 0800 716 146 or email events@mariecurie.org.uk. You can also take a look at our answers to frequently asked questions.

We're happy to help

If you have any questions, we're more than happy to help. Call us on 0800 716 146 or email events@mariecurie.org.uk. You can also take a look at our answers to frequently asked questions.
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©2026 Marie Curie. Registered Charity, England and Wales (207994), Scotland (SC038731). Registered company limited by guarantee, England & Wales (507597). Registered Office: One Embassy Gardens, 8 Viaduct Gardens, London SW11 7BW

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