Tuesday, 20 May 2025
We’ve started planting native trees on the steep slopes above Loch Ness as part of making the A82 sa…
Ardentinny
Ardentinny
Where we are
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
Cowal's longest sandy beach
Explore stunning woodland on routes once the preserve of Ardentinny’s foresters who nurtured seedlings here. The beach is washed by the waters of Loch Long, familiar to Viking fleets, Gaelic raiders, wartime Commando assault boats and nuclear submarines. A 4.75-mile (7.6km) path leads to Carrick Castle.
Walking trails
Walking
Riverside Trail
Enjoy a gentle stroll and back along Glenfinart Burn to the Arched Bridge beneath exotic monkey puzzles, cypresses and firs.
Firm tarmac and gravel surface throughout, with some loose stones.
¾ miles / 1.3 km
Allow ½ hour
More information
Along the way you'll pass the old walled garden of Glenfinart House and in springtime a gorgeous range of snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells.
Walking
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.
1 miles / 1.6 km
Allow ¾ hour
Walking
Laird's Trail
A varied route around the attractive shoreline at Finart Bay. Climb through the 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.
2 miles / 3.3 km
Allow 1 hour
More information
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.
Facilities and access
There are public toilets at the picnic site open fall year round. Toilets are also available in Ardentinny village.
Car parking information
The charges to park at Ardentinny are:
- £1 for up to 1 hour
- £3 for all day
- £14 for minibus or coach all day
Blue Badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.
Payment can be made using card or RingGo.
Annual parking passes are available for this site, visit our parking page for more information.
Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our Forest Search.
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?
Phone
0300 067 6600 (option 2)
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