Monday, 07 Oct 2024
Wild apple trees haven't been a species often found in our management plans in the past, but all of …
Additionally, the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way between Glendaruel and Glenbranter is currently subject to a 10km diversion around High Glenshellish. Please follow the diversion signage.
Discover spectacular waterfalls in the lush Allt Robuic gorge, towering conifers and views over Loch Eck in this stunning woodland. The estate was once owned by music hall star Sir Harry Lauder, who sold it to the Forestry Commission in 1921.
A charming wander through native oak, birch and hazel woodland, and a fine avenue of cypress and beech that was planted for the Glenbranter Estate.
Firm but uneven gravel surface throughout. Includes some steep slopes.
Allow ¾ hour
Part of this trail takes you through trees that were planted long ago as a backdrop to the original Estate house. The red squirrels here are some of the most active in the forest: you can often watch them scampering among the branches.
Additionally, the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way between Glendaruel and Glenbranter is currently subject to a 10km diversion around High Glenshellish. Please follow the diversion signage.
The stiff but rewarding ascent below Creag Bhaogh reveals wonderful views across Glen Eck to Beinn Bheula and Beinn Mhôr.
Long steep slopes for up to 500m. Firm gravel and grassy surface throughout. Includes some short flights of steps.
Allow 1 ½ hours
Keep an eye out for ravens, crossbills and buzzards.
Additionally, the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way between Glendaruel and Glenbranter is currently subject to a 10km diversion around High Glenshellish. Please follow the diversion signage.
A dramatic route up the Allt Robuic gorge, where native oakwoods cloak a series of spectacular waterfalls.
Uneven gravel paths with exposed tree roots and narrow or muddy sections. Includes a number of steep slopes with flights of uneven steps. Several bridges.
Allow 1 ½ hours
The banks of the Allt Robuic still hold remnants of ancient oak woodland, and an impressive variety of mosses and liverworts grow in the damp air. Climb a little further up Glenbranter to the waterfalls, which are particularly spectacular after heavy rain. The trail also passes our wildlife hide: rest quietly for a few minutes and you might see red squirrels, roe deer, buzzards, woodpeckers or crossbills.
A gentle taste of the wild – and all the fun of a ford!
Allow 1 ½ hours
This route gives a fantastic feeling of being much further out in the wilds than you actually are – it’s a great introduction to the delights of off road cycling. You might spot red and roe deer and you can have fun splashing through the ford at the head of the glen. The ride downhill back towards Glenbranter will give you plenty of time to admire the views of Beinn Bheula and Beinn Laggan across the glen.
Firm forest road with some loose material. Soft going in places after heavy rain. Mainly gentle slopes. The ford halfway round can be impassable after heavy rain.
A grand – and demanding – day out, with some of the best views in Cowal.
Allow 6 hours
A real treat for those determined (and fit) enough! This circular loop takes you through the forests fringing Loch Eck, which sits in a gully left over from the last ice age and is now the main water source for Dunoon.
Most riders start and finish the loop at Glenbranter, heading clockwise by crossing the A815 and climbing up the forest track at Invernoaden. It’s a sustained climb, better done while your legs are fresh, and the reward is some of the best views in Cowal. You can look down on to Loch Eck, Dunoon and the Clyde, and west to Beinn Mhor. On a clear day you’ll see the west coast and the islands of Jura and Islay.
Mostly forest road, with a short section of the A815 between Glenbranter and Invernoaden and single track sections at Inverchapel and Benmore. Very steep slopes in places.
Take time out at our wildlife hide. Sit quietly and see what forest birds and creatures you can spot.
There are public toilets attached to the Glenbranter Forest Office, where you can also pick up a map. If any staff are in, we'll be happy to offer assistance if you need it.
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.
Glenbranter is signposted from the A815, between Strachur and the north end of Loch Eck.
PA27 8DJ is the nearest postcode.
Buses between Dunoon and Strachur pass the entrance to the forest. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
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A picturesque picnic spot with lochside views
Glorious waterfalls at the head of a secluded glen
Cowal's longest sandy beach