Monday, 07 Oct 2024
Wild apple trees haven't been a species often found in our management plans in the past, but all of …
The perfect place for a peaceful lochside picnic and the start of some scenic trails through oak woodland on the fringes of Loch Sunart.
Take a short easy stroll to a bench with panoramic views or wander amongst ancient oaks to the Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide.
These semi-natural woodlands are home to some of the best collections of lower plants (plants which do not flower) in the whole of Europe. The clean air, moist climate and long continuity of woodland cover have combined to produce ideal conditions for lichens, mosses and liverworts. On the edges of the Sunart oakwoods in early summer, you might also be lucky enough to spot the rare chequered skipper butterfly.
Àrd-Àirigh Walking Trails Route Card (PDF)
A short stroll through regenerating native woodland to a fine viewpoint overlooking Loch Sunart.
Smooth gravel surface throughout, with some slightly uneven sections. Includes a number of short steep slopes.
Allow ¼ hour
Look out for vivid green ferns, mosses and lichens amongst the trees: they thrive in the clean air and moist coastal climate here.
This winding route through the vibrant oakwoods whets your appetite for the wonderful waterside wildlife at Garbh Eilean hide.
Wide, smooth gravel surface with some slightly uneven sections. Several steep slopes. One section of boardwalk.
Allow ¾ hour
Go quietly down to the wildlife hide to spot basking seals, stately herons and perhaps an otter or a sea eagle.
The car park can hold seven cars. There is an easy access picnic bench suitable for visitors with wheelchairs near the parking area.
There is also a parking area at Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide, ½ mile west (towards Salen), where the short trail down to the hide is suitable for everyone.
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 £7 charge to Stay the Night at this car park. 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.
The nearest public toilets, fuel, shops and places to eat and drink are in Strontian and Salen, 5 miles in either direction from Àrd-Àirigh car park.
Àrd-Àirigh car park (signposted as Ardery) is on the south side of the A861, halfway between Strontian and Salen.
PH36 4HY is the nearest postcode.
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Spot seals, herons and otters on Loch Sunart
Ancient woodland leads to a peaceful natural harbour
A peaceful loch alive with water lilies and dragonflies