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Barnaline

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Latest forest information

Open water

  • This destination contains areas of open water which can be hazardous if you are not suitably prepared. Follow our water safety advice and take care.

About

Ancient Caledonian forest and cascading waterfalls

Wander for miles in ancient Caledonian forest, passing thundering waterfalls or peaceful oakwood that are home to red squirrel, deer and pine marten.

Walking trails

Barnaline route card (PDF)

Walking

Oakwood Trail

A delightful route that explores Dalavich’s ancient Atlantic oakwoods, which are full of mosses, ferns and wildlife and provide great views over Loch Awe.

Wide, firm gravel and grassy surface with long uneven sections. Some steep slopes. Parts may be muddy after heavy rain. Includes two bridges with adjacent fords and some low branches.

Moderate trail grade icon
2 miles / 3.2 km

Allow
1 hour

More information

This is a delightful circular route through an ancient semi-natural oakwood, now part of the Caledonian Forest Reserve. Hundreds of years ago it was used for charcoal production – today the only sign of industry is the sound of birds and squirrels collecting seeds and berries for their young.

Activities

Explore further

The forest roads and tracks are great fun on mountain bike or horseback. Ordnance Survey maps Landranger 55: Lochgilphead & Loch Awe and Explorer 360: Loch Awe & Inveraray cover the forest and its surrounding area.

National cycle route

The Oban to Campbeltown National Cycle route runs through the forest.

Facilities and access

Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Picnic area
Picnic area

A café can be found in the village of Dalavich, a couple of minutes drive south of Barnaline.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

Getting here

Barnaline can be found on the west side of the road, 1 mile north of Dalavich.

  • From the south: Take the A816 north from Lochgilphead. 1 mile after Kilmartin, follow the turn-off on the right to Dalavich (B840).
  • From the west: At Kilmelford Post Office, follow the sign for Lochavich. Follow this road for 10 miles, turning right at the T junction for Dalavich.
  • From the north: East of Taynuilt on the A85, follow the turn-off to Kilchrenan (B845). After Kilchrenan, follow signs for Dalavich.

Using SatNav?

PA35 4AB is the nearest postcode.

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Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6650 (option 2)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Aerial view of a loch with a pine woodland in the fore ground and a wooded hill on the other side of the loch

Towering conifers and an ancient loch dwelling

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Distance from 'Barnaline': 2.26 miles
A picnic table on the hillside overlooking an autumn canopy

Secluded old oakwoods teeming with wildlife and history

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Barnaline': 8.62 miles
A wide glen with a large mountain at its head

One of Scotland's classic views

Facilities and activities
Parking icon
Parking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Mountain access
Mountain access
Distance from 'Barnaline': 10.62 miles