Tha dùthchas Cheann-a-Tuath Earra-Ghàidheal drùidhte le còrr agus mìle gu leth bliadhna de chànan agus dualchas nan Gàidheal.

The historic landscape of North Argyll is steeped in more than fifteen hundred years of Gaelic language and tradition.

Some of the Gaelic names you’ll meet on our forest trails may already be familiar: ‘beinn’, pronounced [byne], mountain ‘lochan’ [LOCH-an], a little loch; or ‘gleann’ [gl-OWW-n], glen. Others, such as ‘abhainn’ [AV-eh-een], river; ‘allt’ [OW-lt], stream; and ‘ceum’ [kaym], step or path, may be less so.

Here are some pointers for a safe and enjoyable trip:

• Be properly equipped• Plan your route carefully and stick to it• Tell someone where you are going and when

you expect to return• Take adequate warm and waterproof clothing• Wear suitable footwear• Take sufficient food and drink• Carry a map/compass - know how to use them!• Turn back if it gets too hard for you

In emergencies call 999 and ask for the police. When connected provide:

a) location of the incident b) number of people in the party c) any injuries (if there are, ask the police to inform an ambulance)

Take care on the hills

Please remember that the weather on the hills can change very quickly. Even in summer, conditions on the tops of hills are often much colder and windier than at low levels, despite clear skies.

The forests of

North Argyll

�

1

2

3

4

5

6

Woodland

Main road

Minor Road

Railway/Station

West Highland Way

National cycle route

Start of forest trails

Other forest walk areas

Choose a trail...

Glen Creran1

Pine Marten Trail 1¼ miles - Moderate

Sutherland’s Grove2

Beinn Lora3

Fearnoch

Ant Hill Trail 2¼ miles - Moderate

4

Glen Nant

Riverbank Trail ¼ mile - EasyAnt Trail 2 miles - Strenuous

5

Strone Hill6

You can find peace, excitement and a sense of wonder in the forests of North Argyll. Walk, run, ride or just stand still among the trees that thrive in the temperate rainforest climate and clean air. If you’re feeling more adventurous, choose one of the demanding trails and discover stunning high views amongst this remarkable landscape.

The secluded forests provide a home to iconic Highland wildlife. If you tread carefully and make little noise, you might catch a glimpse of red squirrels, otters, pine marten and red or roe deer. Scan the skies and you could spot a sea eagle soaring overhead.

Forestry and Land Scotland works hard to maintain the forests, preserving their remarkable natural and cultural heritage and ensuring that visitors enjoy their time in North Argyll.

What to see...

From the ancient Atlantic oakwoods that fringe the rugged coastline to the tree-cloaked flanks of towering mountains, the forests of North Argyll are inspirational places. It is hard to resist their powerful charm, evoking a wild landscape far removed from the stresses of modern life.

The well-maintained trails described in this leaflet are clearly signposted by waymarkers, guiding you to some unforgettable experiences. Forestry and Land Scotland manage these forests to balance the demands of timber production with recreation and conservation.

Separate leaflets covering of the Isle of Mull and Mid Argyll and Kintyre are also available from the Forestry and Land Scotland district office and visitor information centres.

You can stroll through peaceful oak, willow and birch woods that cloak the secluded gorge of Allt a’Mhuilinn, crossing the lively burn on the timber Millennium Bridge.

Most of the non-native conifers have been cleared to help the woodland regenerate, which is helping attract wildlife, including the elusive pine marten. Bluebells and ransoms (wild garlic) transform the forest floor in spring.

The views are stunning. You can look across to the solitary Beinn Sgulaird, an impressive Munro that dominates the glen. There are also glimpses of beautiful Glen Ure, once home to the government factor Colin Roy Campbell (The Red Fox) whose murder in 1752 inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped.

Glen Creran1

Cross the Allt a Mhuilinn gorge and explore an area of restored native woodland. Fantastic views of Beinn Sgulaird and Glen Ure and an opportunity to glimpse the elusive pine marten.

Loose and uneven gravel surface, with long firm grassy sections. Some steep slopes. Includes atimber footbridge witha short flight of steps.

1¼ miles / 2.2 kmAllow1 hour

Pine Marten Trail

Welcome to the forests of

North Argyll

Woodland

Main road

Minor road

National Cycle Network

Railway/Station

Start of Forest Trails1

West Highland Way

Other car parks

For more information

Tel: 0300 067 6650E-mail: enquiries.west@forestryandland.gov.scot

Use #FoundMyForest on your pictures and videos, and we’ll share them on social media.

Find out more:forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/northargyll

For information on public transport services contact: Traveline Scotland, 0871 2002233 or www.travelinescotland.com

© Crown Copyright 2020

Discover more with our other leaflets.

Giant Fir Trail ¼ mile - EasyGorge Trail ¾ mile - StrenuousTroll Trail 1¾ miles - Strenuous

Coastal Climb 1 mile - StrenuousEagle’s Eyrie 2 miles - Strenuous

River Lochy Falls Trail 1½ mile - Moderate

Arg

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Pin

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Terry W

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Red Squirrel © Pete Cairns, 20:20

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Feeling more adventurous?

Try our trail names ‘The Ant hill trail’ at Fearnoch.

2

1

3

4

5

Ardmore & Quinish

1

Shore Trail

7.4km - Strenuous

Aros Park2

Alainn View (Look-out Tower) 170m - Easy

Waterfalls Trail

1.4km - Strenuous

Lochan Trail

1.7km - Moderate

Coastal Trail

4.7km - Strenuous

Glen Aros & Loch Frisa

3

Cill an Ailein Trail

1.4km - Moderate

Garmony & Fishnish

4

Fishnish Loop

2.3km - Moderate

Coastal Trail

6.5km - Strenuous

Scallastle5

Scallastle River Trail

4.8km - Strenuous

Wild IsleYou’ve come to one of the best places in Britain to

see wildlife. Scotland’s most iconic species thrive

here; it’s why we are Springwatch regulars!

Our wildlife hides at Fishnish and at Loch Torr

near Quinish are great places to start.

Scan the SeasMull is a fantastic place to watch for marine

wildlife. Otters, common seals and grey seals

patrol near to shore whilst further out minke

whales, harbour porpoise, basking sharks and

a variety of dolphins can often be spotted.

Our car parks at Fishnish and Garmony are

particularly good places to sit and watch the

sea. The Coastal Trail here, and the Shore

Trail at Ardmore offer good opportunities for

wildlife watching.

Eyes to the Skies Mull is known as Eagle Island. You’ve got a really

good chance of seeing both the huge white-

tailed eagles and the majestic golden eagles

here. A visit to the Mull Eagle Watch project is

highly recommended. But it’s not just eagles

on Mull - there are plenty of other birds to look

out for. Watch for hen harriers gliding over

the moorland, listen for crossbills calling in the

tops of the conifers and scan for black-throated

divers on the lochs.

Destinations Overview

Scallastle 5

Less than half a mile from Craignure,

Scallastle offers a taste of the wilder side of

Mull. We are restoring native woodland

in this area: the birch and oak trees are

particularly good for wildlife. If you are lucky

enough to have rain during your visit, the

river can be spectacular.Scallastle River TrailFollow the gentler trail to the tumbling Scallastle

River, or complete the steep loop up to a great

viewpoint looking across to the rugged peak of

Dun da Gaoithe.

3 miles /4.8 kmAllow

2 hours

Long steep slopes. Wide, uneven gravel and grassy

surface. Includes rough and loose rocky section

and areas that may be muddy. Two bridges.

You’re going to like it here. The forests

of Mull offer a fantastic opportunity

to explore and enjoy the landscape,

culture, history and wildlife of this

amazing island.

Mull RocksMull and the surrounding area has

fascinating and world-famous geology.

Some of the rocks here are 2000 million

years old and some are found nowhere

else in the world. Much of Mull is

made from layers of basalt lava, left by

ancient volcanic eruptions. Chips from Trees Forestry and Land Scotland looks after many

of the forests on Mull. We are restoring native

woodland and encouraging more broadleaf

trees. We also manage the forests for a

sustainable supply of timber. Woodchips from

our forests are used on Mull and heat the oven

of the Island Bakery!

Welcome to the Island of MullFishnish and Garmony

4

Fishnish is the perfect stop for a break if you

are arriving or leaving on the Lochaline ferry.

Garmony is a great place to admire the view,

have a picnic or explore the sea shore.

Watch out for wildlife at both sites – there is

always something to see here. Birds like

gannets, oyster catchers and terns are most

obvious but otters, seals and porpoise can

also be spotted if you’re lucky.Don’t miss the new wildlife hide at Fishnish.

Call in to see what’s around and find out

about recent wildlife sightings. You can also

discover a bit more about the wonderful

wildlife of Mull, or just sit and enjoy the views.

Fishnish LoopA short leg stretch through Fishnish Forest

while you are waiting for the ferry. Listen out for

the noisy chirping of crossbills as they feed in

the canopy.

1½ miles / 2.3 kmAllow

¾ hours

Mostly firm gravelsurface, with a section of uneven grass and

earth path. Some parts may be muddy. Moderate slopes with

some short steeper sections.

Coastal TrailFollow the low rocky shore of the Sound of Mull

between Fishnish and Garmony. Great views of

the Morvern peninsula and an opportunity to see

oyster catchers on the rocks.

4 miles / 6.5 kmAllow

2 hours

Uneven grassy and gravel surface, with some rough

rocky and earthy sections. Some short steep slopes.

Includes narrow sections of boardwalk and several

muddy areas.

Find out more: forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/isleofmullFor information on public transport services contact:

Traveline Scotland, 0871 2002233 or

www.travelinescotland.com© Crown Copyright 2020

Tel: 0300 067 6650 E-mail: enquiries.west@forestryandland.gov.scot

For more information

Visitor P

lanning, Forestry and Land Scotland-20

K/JTC

P/March 2

02

0/E

dition 1.

Text written by Jo Scott. P

hotography © Forestry and Land Scotland unless otherw

ise stated.

Mull Eagle Watch is an award-winning wildlife

protection and viewing partnership. Friendly

and knowledgeable local guides lead visits to

see Mull’s magnificent white-tailed eagles.

The guided visits usually run from April to

September and last around 2 hours.

Mull Eagle Watch

Use #FoundMyForest on your

pictures and videos, and we’ll share

them on social media.Discover more with our other leaflets.

The forests of theIsle of Mull

Com

mon Seal © Alex Mustard, 20:20 Vision

Tobermory © Paul Tomkins Visit Scotland

Tobermory © John Duncan : Visit Scotland

White tailed sea eagle © istockA

rgyl

lBeach On Inch Kenneth © Paul Tom

kins : Visit Scotland

Mull Eagle Watch can change location

depending on which eagles’ nest offers the best

views, so please call 01680 812556 for current

information and bookings (booking is essential). Eilean làn beatha Còrdaibh an t-eilean seo riut. Tha coilltean

Muile le iomadh cothrom mìorbhaileach air

rannsachadh agus tlachd fhaighinn às cruth-

tìre,cultar, eachdraidh agus fiadh-bheatha an eilein

iongantaich seo. Tha Eilean Muile, agus an sgìre

timcheall air, le geòlas a tha ainmeil air feadh an

t-saoghail. Tha thu cuideachd a’ tadhal air fear dhe

na h-àitean as fheàrr ann am Breatainn son fiadh-

bheatha fhaicinn. Bheiridh coilltean Muile dhut

mòran chothroman air beathaichean fhaicinn air

tìr, sna speuran no a-muigh aig muir.

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Marvel at the mighty fir trees of Sutherland’s Grove, the oldest of which were planted in 1870, with more added in 1921 to commemorate Lord John Donald Sutherland, one of the founders of the Forestry Commission.

Some tower 53 metres (174 feet) high. As you push deeper into this vast forest, you will find more ancient oaks and Scots pines. The trails follow the gorge of the Abhainn Teithil burn, whose curiously-sculpted rocks create entrancing waterfalls.

Sutherland’s Grove2 Keyed as:

Non FC CampsiteNon FC Caravan Site

Giant Fir Trail

A lovely shady meander through soaring Douglas firs and beside the burn – be sure to bring a picnic. In summer, the forest is carpeted with beautiful wildflowers.

¼ mile /0.3 kmAllow¼ hour

A wide, firm surface. Generally flat with short gentle gradients.

Gorge Trail

A lovely short loop that takes in a number of the forest’s highlights. You follow the river up to the dramatic gorge, before returning through mixed woodland.

¾ mile /1.3 kmAllow¾ hour

A varied route with, some steep, rough and rocky sections. Can be narrow in places. Often wet and muddy after rain.

Troll Trail

Explore the woods a bit further and meet the troll who lives beside the footbridge above the gorge. This trail is a great place to spot red squirrels too.

1¾ miles /3.0 kmAllow1¼ hours

Varied with some fairly steep, rough and rocky sections. Can be narrow in places. Often wet and muddy after rain. One bridge with a steep narrow flight of steps.

Beinn Lora3

The challenging climb through the varied woods at the foot of Beinn Lora is richly rewarded. The truly panoramicviews are among the most memorablein Argyll. From the Eagle’s Eyrie you can look over Benderloch to the Morvern Peninsula, Mull and Lismore.

On clear days you can see towards Mull, Lismore and Kerrera, the isles west of Oban. Beyond the forest gate, the route to the summit of Beinn Lora is across open ground and often boggy but well worth the effort.

Glen Nant5

These tranquil oakwoods provide a sanctuary for a unique array of brightly-coloured lichens, once usedto dye villagers’ clothing.

The trees themselves were harvested to fuel nearby Bonawe iron furnace. An area the size of 60 football pitches was felled every year to produce iron for industry and warfare. Look for raised platforms that were once charcoal-burning hearths.

Riverbank Trail

A gentle stroll through the coppiced hazel woods to a quiet picnic area by the River Nant.

¼ mile /0.4 kmAllow¼ hour

Firm gravel surfacethroughout, but includes some grassed over sections. Generally flat with one short moderate slope by the car park.

Ant Trail

Follow the winding path for a richly varied trailthrough atmospheric old oakwoods and thriving new woodland, rich in history and wildlife.

2 miles /3.3 kmAllow1½ hours

Narrow gravel pathswith uneven sections.Long steep slopes andseveral sets of roughsteps. Some exposedtree roots and potentially wet sections. Includes narrow bridges.

Strone Hill6

Stop off at this natural resting place, where for centuries cattle drovers and other travellers along Glen Orchy have paused for a moment.

The high riverside trail passes through oak, birch and rowan woodland that provides brilliant colour in spring and autumn and welcome shade for summer picnics. The riverbank route has viewpoints over the riverside waterfalls, which are particularly dramatic when the river is in spate.

River Lochy Falls Trail

This winding trail follows the River Lochy down through some beautiful native oak woodland.

1½ mile / 2.6 kmAllow1 hour

Firm but uneven gravel path throughout. Includes steep slopes and one wide bridge.

Land Woodland

Forestry and Land Scotland

Other Woodland

Main road

Secondary road

Forest road

Path

Forest trails(colour waymarked)

Viewpoint

Minor Road

Parking

Picnic area

Road/Track

National Nature Reserve Boundary

National Cycle Network

Parking (easy access)

Non FLS Campsite

Non FLS Caravan site

Please note: Any symbols that appear black indicate they are not Forestry and Land Scotland facilities.

Woodland

Main road

Minor road

National Cycle Network

Railway/Station

Start of Forest Trails1

West Highland Way

Other car parks

Fearnoch4

The woodlands here are alive with wildlife as the trails pass through the towering trees that flourish around the River Luachragan.

Look out for red squirrels leaping through the forest canopy. You will certainly encounter the great, domed nests of the Scottish wood ant amid the trees. Constructed from pine needles, these can tower 1.5 metres (5 feet) high and shelter networks of tunnels and chambers, each one home to up to 100,000 ants. The insects work tirelessly to keep the mounds in order, even ensuring individual needles lie in the right direction.

Coastal Climb Trail

A short pull up the steep craggy hillside aboveBenderloch yields some great sea views across Tralee Bay and the Lynn of Lorn.

1 mile /1.8 kmAllow¾ hour

Wide, firm but unevengravel and earth surface. Long steep slopes with some loose sections.

Eagle’s Eyrie Trail

Feel on top of the world at the breath-takingbird’s eye viewpoint on this steep but spectacular trail on the slopes of Beinn Lora.

2 miles / 3.3 kmAllow1½ hours

Long steep slopes for 500m. Wide, firm gravel and stone surface with some uneven and loose sections.

Ant Hill Trail

Tranquil Fearnoch Forest is home to the protected wood ant - look out for their nests on the single path sections of the trail. Alder trees thrive here too, along the sparkling River Luachragan.

2¼ miles / 3.8 kmAllow1½ hours

Wide, firm gravel surface through-out. Includes some steep slopes and a wide bridge.