Thursday, 21 September 2023
Corlarach
Where we are
Latest forest information
- Please note, there is felling taking place near the forest road junction with the road out towards Sandbank. To allow this to take place safely, there is no access to the forest road beyond the junction with the walking trails. The Berry Burn and Kilbride Hill Trails are unaffected but the Corlarach Loop is diverted down the walking trails rather than following the forest road. These works are likely to be ongoing until late summer 2023. Please follow all onsite signage and instruction.
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
Hillside views over Dunoon and across the Firth of Clyde
Look down over Dunoon, the capital of Cowal, from this network of hillside paths. There are unforgettable, panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde coast. Remains of old farms survive among the trees that provide shelter for abundant wildlife.
Walking trails
Walking
Berry Burn Trail
Meander up through the young conifers for great views over Dunoon and the Clyde.
Uneven gravel and earth paths, with some narrow and muddy sections. Includes some long fairly steep slopes and two openings 1.1m wide.
2 miles / 3.3 km
Allow 1½ hours
Walking
Balgaidh Burn Trail
Climb to the top of the forest for superb panoramic views across Cowal and the Firth of Clyde. Return via the charming mixed woods along Balgaidh Burn.
Long steep slopes for up to half a mile. Uneven gravel paths, with earthy and rocky sections. Includes two openings 1.1m wide.
2 ¾ miles / 4.5 km
Allow 2 hours
Cycling trails
Cycling
Corlarach Loop (diverted)
A trail notice is in effect
From Monday 27 March Diversions will be in place on the Corlarach Loop to allow safe fellling of trees at Corlarach. Please follow all onsite signage and instructions.
Feel the excitement of exploring a forest by bike – you never know what wildlife you might encounter around the next corner!
There's a steep single-track section above Toward Farm, but generally the cycle trail follows undulating forest roads. Horse riders will need to cross a small ford in order to avoid a wooden footbridge.
12 ½ miles / 20.0 km
Allow 3 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
The Corlarach Loop is a long trail suitable for bikes and horses. It offers great views down the Firth of Clyde when it passes our other local woodland at Ardyne.
Facilities and access
The nearest public toilets are back down the hill in Dunoon.
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
The turning for the car park at Corlarach is on the west side of Kilbride Road in Dunoon, just south of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
Using SatNav?
PA23 7LN is the nearest postcode.
Public transport
There are lots of public transport options to Dunoon, although the forest entrance is a 1¼ mile walk uphill from the Pier Esplanade. 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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