Ardyne

Panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde

Explore this peaceful corner of Cowal and discover its superb views over Bute and the Firth of Clyde. One of the hidden gems of this area is the ornamental Chinese ponds – picnic here and enjoy their tranquil beauty.

Walking trails

Ardyne route card (PDF)

Walking

Chinese Ponds Trail

Amid bright gorse and rhododendrons, discover fabulous ponds and arched bridges built to mimic scenes on willow pattern crockery.

Mostly firm gravel surface, with uneven grassy sections. Includes some muddy patches and steep slopes.

1 ½ miles / 2.3 km

1 hour

Cycling trails

Cycling

Corlarach Loop

Cycle, walk or ride – you never know what wildlife might be around the next corner... 

Mostly forest roads with moderate slopes. Steep singletrack section above Toward Farm.

9 ¾ miles / 15.5 km

Allow
2½ hours

More information

Corlarach forest can look impenetrable from below, but from the inside it’s a vibrant, interesting place, teeming with life. The first larch and spruce trees were planted here in 1948 and are now mature giants. Buzzards, kestrels and tawny owls hunt around them – listen out for their eerie cries as you ride.

Activities

Cycling and horse riding

Why not jump on your bike or horse and tackle the 10 mile Corlarach Loop trail.

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking

Cycling

The nearest public toilets and cafés are in Innellan (4 miles away) or Dunoon (8½ miles away).

Getting here

Ardyne is 2 miles west of Toward Point. From Dunoon, head south to Toward and follow the main road as it curves round the bottom of the peninsula. The road then heads inland past Castle Toward. Ardyne car park is a ½ mile beyond this on the right.

The full drive from Dunoon is about 9 miles and should take 15-20 minutes.

Using SatNav?

PA23 7UH is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Occasional local bus services run from Dunoon to Castle Toward, ½ mile from the trails. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions