Monday, 07 Oct 2024
Wild apple trees haven't been a species often found in our management plans in the past, but all of …
There’s plenty to see in the attractive open woodland here, including one of the finest set of cup and ring marked rocks in Britain. Follow the Cup and Ring Trail to marvel at these mysterious ancient symbols, take a gentle stroll around a fascinating wetland area or simply bring a picnic and relax in the peaceful forest.
Achnabreac is part of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, the birthplace of the Scottish nation. It was centred on Dunadd, a rocky crag just to the north of Achnabreac, which was the crowning place of its kings. Explore the area to find remains of thousands of years of human occupation
Kilmartin House Museum is a great place to find out more about this area’s fascinating history. Along the Dalriada Heritage Trail you can discover more amazing cup and ring marked rocks as well as other evocative archaeological sites.
If you’re looking for something more energetic and exhilarating, this is also home to the Firetower Trail, a single track mountain bike route through the forest with exciting options for the more experienced mountain biker.
A gentle meander around the wetland pocket at the edge of the forest. Keep an eye out for variety of wildlife at different times of the year.
Firm gravel surface throughout with some loose sections. Mostly flat with some moderate slopes.
Allow ¼ hour
This short circular trail around low-lying wetlands, dotted with broadleaved trees and fringed with conifers, is ideal for families. There are lovely open views of the forest and surrounding area as you stroll along.
Starting at the easy access parking further up the forest road from the main car park this trail cuts through the forest to visit one of Achnabreac’s enigmatic cup and ring marked stones. There are also great views over Loch Gilp to the hills of Arran.
Wide, firm and smooth gravel surface throughout. Some moderate slopes, but plenty of resting places along the way.
Allow ¼ hour
A gentle zig zag slope through the trees leading to a viewing board and interpretation panel giving information about the area’s archaeology.
Discover some of Scotland’s most extensive prehistoric rock art. Search for two great viewing areas of cup and ring carvings that date back over 4,000 years.
Uneven gravel path, with some narrow, grassy and potentially muddy sections. Some steep slopes. Includes sections of boardwalk with steps. Look out for vehicles along the forest road.
Allow ¾ hour
Marvel at these mysterious symbols, carved by a lost culture over 4,000 years ago. The trail climbs gently uphill through old oak woodland, which is a riot of colour in autumn, and there are good views over Lochgilphead, Knapdale and Loch Fyne as you reach higher ground.
Achnabreac mountain biking route card (PDF)
Grade – Red: Difficult Expect a mixture of steep climbs, descents and / or avoidable features. Larger jumps, berms and rollable features at controlled speed. Technical features such as tree roots, drop-offs and large rocks. Very variable surfaces.
From the site of an old fire tower, this trail has it all: flowing single track, technical features, stunning views, and all within minutes of Lochgilphead. Five sections of single track, linked by forest road. Jink through the trees, burn rubber on the Twisted Fire Starter, swing down Berm Burner, cool off in the Water Splash, then Rock and Roll back to the car park. Please note, this trail features water fording. The Twisted Fire Starter section also has black graded sections that are optional - they can be by-passed to continue the red graded route.
Achnabreac and Kilmichael Forest offer a range of cycling experiences suitable for everyone. The towpath beside the Crinan Canal, part of the National Cycle Route 78, is perfect for families looking for a gentle, scenic ride. There are also plenty of forest roads criss-crossing the woodland that you can explore at your leisure.
Kilmichael Forest is a precious remnant of the Atlantic oakwoods that began spreading when the Ice Age ended and once stretched along the whole Atlantic seaboard from Norway to the south of Spain. The old oakwoods and the more recent conifers are home to a whole host of creatures that you might spot as you explore. Watch out for red squirrels, red and roe deer, crossbills, tiny goldcrests and hunting sparrowhawks.
Learn more about the surrounding area by visiting the Heart of Argyll website.
You’ll find public toilets and plenty of places to eat, drink and shop at nearby Lochgilphead.
The charges to park at this forest car park are:
Payment can be made using RingGo.
Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our Forest Search, marked as a 'P' without the £ symbol.
Available in advance by downloading the application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions (PDF) before applying.
Valid at Braveheart (Glen Nevis), Loch Linnhe, Loch Oich, Aros Park (Mull), North Face, Ariundle, Glencoe Lochan, Glengarry, Glen Righ, Àrd-Àirigh, Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide, Barnluasgan, Sutherland's Grove, Strone Hill, Glen Lochy, Bridge of Orchy, Fearnoch, Carradale (Grianan), Carradale (Port Na Storm), Ardcastle, Achnabreac.
Valid at all Forestry and Land Scotland car parks except Tentsmuir.
Stay the Night continues to run through to 31 October 2024. This means self-contained motorhomes and campervans will be able to park overnight for one night in some of our car parks.
There is a £10 charge to Stay the Night here, this includes use of the chemical waste disposal facility. If you are not Staying the Night and only want to do a drop-off of chemical waste then it’s £5. Payment can be made through RingGo with details of how to do this at the car park.
To help plan your stay, please see the details below:
Please visit our Stay the Night page for full details, participating locations, best practice, and terms and conditions of use.
Achnabreac is about 2½ miles (4km) north of Lochgilphead on the A816. Look for a turning onto a forest road, with a green sign to ‘Achnabreac’. Follow this for about ¼ mile (500 metres) to reach the turning into the car park.
PA31 8RE is the nearest postcode.
There are regular buses running between Lochgilphead and Tayvallich, which stop at Bridgend and Cairnbaan, both close to Achnabreac. Find details at Traveline Scotland.
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Craggy slopes and a dramatic gorge amongst the trees
Unique wetland that's home to Scotland's wild beavers
Wander to a ruined village on the banks of Loch Fyne