Ardentinny
Forest notice
COVID-19 has changed lots of things we do. And as we re-open the majority of our facilities and welcome more of you back in Phase 3, we need your help to do it safely. Please check what’s open before you travel; enjoy your visit safely by following NHS and Scottish Government guidance; take your litter home with you; and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
At this location:
- The car park is open and normal charges (if any) now apply.
- Toilets are open.
Please bear with us and check back regularly for updates. You can also find more information by visiting our COVID-19 page and our FAQs.
- Trail Diversion: The Laird's Grave Trail will be Diverted from 22 October 2020 for one week. Please see further information below.
Cowal's longest sandy beach
Picnic beside Cowal's longest sandy beach and explore Ardentinny's varied network of woodland trails.
The beach is washed by the waters of Loch Long, familiar to Viking fleets and Gaelic raiders. During the second world war, Royal Navy beach commandos even trained for the Normandy landings here.
Guide map to Argyll Forest Park (PDF 4.6MB)
Walking trails
Riverside Trail
Enjoy a gentle stroll along Glenfinart Burn to the Arched Bridge beneath exotic monkey puzzles, cypresses and firs.
Firm tarmac and gravel surface throughout, with some loose stones. Generally flat with one short fairly steep ramp or adjacent steps. Look out for vehicles along the access road.
Allow ½ hour
Along the way you'll pass the old walled garden of Glenfinart House and in springtime a gorgeous range of snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells.
Laird's Trail (diverted)
A trail notice is in effect
- The Laird’s Grave trail will be diverted for 1 week from Thursday the 22nd October to allow works on the Hydro-electric scheme to proceed safely, please follow the diversion.
A varied route around the attractive shoreline at Finart Bay. Climb through the larch forest to the Laird’s Grave for great views across Loch Long.
Wide, firm tarmac and gravel surface, with some loose stones and a slightly uneven section. Some fairly steep slopes. Includes two openings 0.9m wide and a section along the road.
Allow 1 hour
The Laird's Grave dates from 1860 and is that of Archibald Douglas, Laird of Ardentinny. In the sunny fields below, a Forestry Commission nursery raised thousands of seedlings for forests throughout Scotland.
Birchwood Trail
A short walk that climbs through native birch and oak woodland above the crags of Lover’s Leap, before returning down Grotto Burn.
Firm but uneven surface, with grassy and rocky sections that are narrow and potentially muddy in places. Long steep slopes for 400m and some steps.
Allow ¾ hour
Facilities & access
There are public toilets at the picnic site open fall year round. Toilets are also available in Ardentinny village.
Getting here
Head north from Ardentinny village. The car park is on the right after 1 mile, just beyond the entrance to Glenfinart Caravan Park.
Using SatNav?
PA23 8TS is the nearest postcode.
Public transport
Local buses run from Dunoon to Ardentinny village. You can access the beach from the north end of the village. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?