Carradale
Carradale Forest Notice
We hope you’ve been enjoying the walking trails at your nearby forests during lockdown. As Scottish Government COVID-19 restrictions ease, we look forward to welcoming you back more fully, and are working hard to reopen our facilities as soon as safely possible.
At this location:
- The car park is open and will be free of charge.
Please note nearby Beinn Ghuilean forest in Campbeltown has restrictions due to tree felling.
A steep climb to sweeping mountain and island views
Take a stroll around the village and out along the shore, or explore the Deer Hill Trail in Carradale Forest which takes you to the craggy summit of Cnoc nan Gabhar. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views across Kilbrannan Sound to Arran. The forest is a haven for wildlife, so look out for deer, red and black grouse and many birds of prey.
Guide map to the forests of Mid Argyll and Kintyre (PDF 9.5MB)
Walking trails
Deer Hill Trail
Enjoy an eagle’s eye view over Carradale Bay and Kilbrannan Sound from the rocky summit of Cnoc nan Gabhar.
Prolonged steep slopes for up to 600m. Uneven grassy paths with rough, narrow and muddy sections.
Allow 2½ hours
This strenuous route leads you through woodland and open moorland dotted with bright rhododendrons to the summit of Cnoc nan Ghabar. Enjoy a magnificent panorama over Carradale Glen, Kilbrannan Sound and Arran. Spot Ben Cruachan, Argyll’s highest point, to the north. This is called Deer Hill for good reason – look out for red, roe, fallow and sika deer, as well as moorland birds amongst the heather, and golden eagles and hen harriers overhead.
Activities
Watching wildlife
Look out for red and roe deer amongst the mature trees and butterflies and sika deer in open sunny glades around the younger trees. These grassy areas are also home to voles, the favourite food of birds of prey like buzzards and kestrels.
Head up onto higher ground to find moorland birds amongst the heather and perhaps see a golden eagle circling overhead. Alternatively, visit Carradale village and stroll beside Kilbrannan Sound, where you might be lucky enough to see basking sharks or leaping salmon.
Explore Carradale on long distance trails
Carradale is on the route of the 100 mile Kintyre Way, a waymarked long distance trail that criss-crosses the lovely Kintyre peninsula between Tarbert and Dunaverty.
You can also explore the Kintyre peninsula following National Cycle Route 78, which passes close to Carradale.
Facilities & access
There are public toilets and a selection of places to eat, drink and shop in Carradale. There’s also a tea room with tourist information at the Carradale Network Centre – check for their opening hours.
Getting here
The Deer Hill Trail starts at the Port Na Storm car park, which can be found on the left as entering Carradale village.
The north end of the forest can be accessed via Grianan car park. This can be found on the east side of the B842, half way between Dippen and Grogport.
Using SatNav?
PA28 6SB is the nearest postcode for Port na Storm car park.
PA28 6QJ is the nearest for Grianan, but about a mile south of the site.
Public transport
There are regular buses from Campbeltown to Carradale. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?