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Visit Knapdale to watch wildlife, explore ruins, discover lochs, enjoy great views – and maybe even meet a beaver. There are plenty of enticing trails, from gentle strolls around Barnluasgan Loch or across the gorge at Dunardry to more challenging rambles and cycle rides up the ‘knaps’ and down into the ‘dales’ for magnificent loch, canal and sea views.

Beaver swimming in a loch

There’s plenty of wildlife here but the stars of the show are Knapdale’s reintroduced beavers: find out more at Barnluasgan Information Centre. There’s a wealth of history too, including ancient Castle Dounie, a holy well, abandoned villages and the remarkable Crinan Canal.

Forests to visit

Achnabreac

Step back in time and discover 4,000 year-old rock art

Achnabreac

 

Barnluasgan

The best place to start exploring Knapdale, with its Information Centre, scenic woodland trails and the chance to spot beavers.

Barnluasgan

 

Crinan

Bird’s eye views of the Sound of Jura and the Inner Hebrides from old Atlantic oakwoods above Crinan’s pretty harbour.

Crinan

 

Dunardry

Make royal connections at Dunardry: climb to the ‘height of the high king’ for spectacular canal and sea views.

Dunardry

 

Gleann a Gealbhan

Wind through the woods to the atmospheric ruins of the village of Arichonan, with sweeping Loch Sween views.

Gleann a Gealbhan