Corlarach
Corlarach 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 closed.
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.
We are currently felling trees infected with the disease, Phytophthora Ramorum. To ensure public safety, we have had to temporarily close some sections of the forest:
- Map of current access restrictions (PDF 2.12MB) [updated 26 June 2020]
- Why we need to carry out these works (PDF 254KB)
The Corlarach Loop is currently closed to allow felling of trees in a number of locations.
Please follow our Keep it Clean advice before and after a visit to any woodland.
Hillside views over Dunoon and across the Firth of Clyde
Whether you have an hour or a day to spare, there's a trail here to suit you. The forest rises high above Dunoon giving you fabulous views over the Firth of Clyde and Loch Striven, as well as a great chance to see local wildlife.
Corlarach means 'common pasture' – a place where local folk used to graze their cattle and sheep. Those animals are gone, but you might be lucky enough to see grouse, roe deer, red deer and the many birds of prey which thrive here today.
Guide map to Argyll Forest Park (PDF 4.6MB)
Walking trails
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.
Allow 1½ hours
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.
Allow 2 hours
Cycling trails
Corlarach Loop (closed)
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.
Allow 3 hours
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 & access
The nearest public toilets are back down the hill in Dunoon.
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 uphil from the Pier Esplanade. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?