COVID-19 and Forestry and Land Scotland
FLS has reduced its operations to felling that is contributing to essential business requirements to help keep Scotland ticking over. Our staff are working from home where possible; staff who are working continue to practise social distancing rigorously following Government and NHS guidance to keep safe.
Fresh air and being outdoors benefits physical and mental health and well-being, and for local visitors the majority of walking trails on Scotland’s national forests and land remain open. Be aware that staff cannot maintain our standard checks and maintenance. All our mountain biking trails and all car parks are closed.
All visitors are reminded to maintain social distance at all times.
Àrd-Àirigh
Walk through native woodland to our lochside wildlife hide
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.
Walking trails
Àrd-Àirigh Loop
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.
Garbh Eilean Trail
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.
Facilities & access
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.
Nearby amenities
The nearest public toilets, fuel, shops and places to eat and drink are in Stronitian and Salen, 5 miles in either direction from Àrd-Àirigh car park.
Getting here
Àrd-Àirigh car park (signposted as Ardery) is on the south side of the A861, halfway between Strontian and Salen.
Using SatNav?
PH36 4HY is the nearest postcode.
Get in touch
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