Thursday, 25 April 2024
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Cruachan
Where we are
Latest forest information
We have started tree felling alongside Cruachan walk and have therefore closed both the trails and car park for safety reasons. These works are expected to last until spring 2024. The nearest alternative trails can be found at Barnaline.
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
Towering conifers and an ancient loch dwelling
Wander down to the quiet lochside and take a closer look at the crannog - an ancient loch-dwelling. Then visit MacKenzie's Grove, a group of towering conifers, planted over 80 years ago and now amongst the tallest in the west of Scotland. These trees are some of the few survivors of a devastating storm that felled vast areas of woodland in 1968.
Walking trails
Walking
Tall Trees Trail (closed)
A trail notice is in effect
We have started tree felling alongside Cruachan walk and have therefore closed both the trails and car park for safety reasons. These works are expected to last until spring 2024. The nearest alternative trails can be found at Barnaline.
Walk along the shore of Loch Awe to discover where there was once an Iron Age crannog at Carn Mhic Chealeir. As you leave the shores of the loch find yourself immersed among the towering Douglas Firs and Spruces in Mackenzie’s Grove.
Mostly loose gravel tracks, with sections of uneven grassy path that are narrow and potentially wet in places. Includes some long steep slopes.
2 ¼ miles / 3.6 km
Allow 1½ hours
More information
Follow the trail to the lochside to see the remains of a crannog, where an Iron Age family once lived in a house on stilts over the water. Then enjoy a stretch through mature woodland to a small gorge where ferns, mosses and lichens grow in the moist conditions. This is MacKenzie's Grove, where a group of conifers survived the storm of 1968.
Facilities and access
The nearest public toilets and a café can be found in nearby Dalavich.
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.
Getting here
From Lochgilphead take the A816 north and turn right onto the B840 about 1 mile after Kilmartin. At the red phone box in Ford, turn onto the unclassified road and follow for 6 miles. You'll see the Cruachan car park on your right.
Using SatNav?
PA35 1HL is the nearest postcode.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6650 (option 2)
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