Monday, 06 March 2023
Every year we take on around 25 apprentices throughout our organisation, and all across Scotland. From Trees and Timber to Mechanical Engineering, and Procurement to Data Science, ...
Ardgartan
Where we are
Latest forest information
- This is currently no weekday access between Ardgartan and the Rest and Be Thankful via the Glen Croe Forest road. This is due to tree felling taking place which requires the machines to be working from the forest road. The route will be open at weekends when no work is taking place.
- From Friday 3 to Sunday 5 February, both car parking areas at Ardgartan will be closed in order to facilitate an event taking place. The nearest alternative parking is at Honeymoon bridge or at the head of the loch in Arrochar.
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
Endless trails through an area of vast natural beauty
Ardgartan (meaning the High Garden in Gaelic) is at the heart of an area of vast natural beauty. The forest of Sitka and Norway spruce is an ideal habitat for red squirrel, roe deer, buzzards and owls. Mixed woodland along the many small rivers and burns is home to otters, kingfishers and bats.
The trails offer great views for cyclists, walkers or horse riders. If you don’t feel like following the waymarked trails, just wander wherever you fancy... through the forest, across the hills or along the secluded loch shore.
Walking trails
Walking
Riverside Trail
A delightful stroll through the beech and oak woodland alongside the sparkling Croe Water.
Firm gravel surface with some grassy and uneven sections. Includes some exposed tree roots and very muddy sections. Two short steep slopes, a bridge and some broad steps.
1 ½ miles / 2.4 km
Allow 1 hour
More information
Watch for red squirrels scampering among the trees and listen for the many species of birds that live in the forest. Otters live here too: you might see their footprints or tail marks on the sandy shore, or if you're very lucky catch sight of one in the river’s large pools.
Cycling trails
Cycling
Ardgartan Shore and Coilessan Glen (closed)
A trail notice is in effect
This trail is closed to allow the safe felling of trees infected with Phytophthora ramorum.
Forest rides, loch shore and a fun descent back to the start.
Mostly forest road with sections on tarmac. Long, moderate climbs and descents.
6 ¾ miles / 11.0 km
Allow 2 hours
More information
Start by following the trail south towards the farm at Coilessan and round by the loch shore – you might just glimpse otters here. Then it’s a climb through red and roe deer’s territory in the shadow of Cnoc Coinnich before heading back down Coilessan Glen. Take a breather on the way to admire the view over Loch Long towards the Clyde!
Cycling
Ardgartan Shore and Coilessan Glen (closed)
A trail notice is in effect
This trail is closed to allow the safe felling of trees.
Forest rides, loch shore and a fun descent back to the start.
Mostly forest road with sections on tarmac. Long, moderate climbs and descents.
6 ¾ miles / 11.0 km
Allow 2 hours
More information
Start by following the trail south towards the farm at Coilessan and round by the loch shore – you might just glimpse otters here. Then it’s a climb through red and roe deer’s territory in the shadow of Cnoc Coinnich before heading back down Coilessan Glen. Take a breather on the way to admire the view over Loch Long towards the Clyde!
Activities
Explore further
The network of trails here is very popular with bikers looking for fun cross-country rides. They're good to walk along too. For an interesting route between two forests, try the link route between here and Arrochar forest.
Facilities and access
There are public toilets at Ardgartan. There are shops and cafes in Arrochar village, a few miles to the east.
If you’d like more time here, why not book a holiday cabin with Forest Holidays.
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
Ardgartan car park lies on the south side of the A83 between Loch Long and the Rest and Be Thankful, 3 miles west of Arrochar.
If coming from the direction of Arrochar, ignore the 'Forest Holidays' turning; Ardgartan is ½ mile beyond this.
Using SatNav?
G83 7AS is the nearest postcode, about 1 mile along the road towards Inveraray.
Public transport
Buses heading from Glasgow to Inveraray and beyond can stop next to the entrance to Ardgartan. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6600 (option 2)
Nearby forests
A scenic stop off on the iconic Rest and Be Thankful
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Ardgartan': 0.49 miles
Start your hillwalk up The Arrochar Alps
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Ardgartan': 1.20 miles
Follow the path of 13th century Viking raiders
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Ardgartan': 1.77 miles
Related articles
Monday, 13 February 2023
Galloway is a great place to explore, with animal experiences to stunning walks and lochs. The Queen’s Way is a 17-mile scenic road that runs between New Galloway and...
Tuesday, 07 February 2023
Wednesday, 01 February 2023
Scotland is home to a range of rare temperate rainforests. These are woodlands native to the west of Scotland which are made up of birch, hazel, ash, oak and ...
Find a forest...
View all forests