Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide

Spot seals, herons and otters on Loch Sunart

It’s easy to reach this hide, just a short stroll from the car park, where you can soak up superb Loch Sunart views as you watch for the local wildlife.

Common seals often bask on the shores of Garbh Eilean (the ‘Rough Island’), and there is a heronry on the smaller island beside it. Seals can be easily disturbed by humans, so remember to pack your binoculars and keep your distance.

At different times of the year you should also see a range of seabirds over the loch and, if you’re lucky, rarer species such as golden eagles and white tailed eagles.

The distinctive hide was built by local people, using locally grown and milled wood. It blends in beautifully with the landscape.  There are binoculars and a telescope at the hide, so you’ll get an even better view of whatever’s out there as well as being able to talk to an expert.

The shores of Loch Sunart are home to some of the finest temperate oakwoods in the British Isles. These are remnants of an extensive band of coastal woodland that once stretched down the Atlantic coast of Europe from Norway and Scotland as far as Spain and Portugal.

These semi-natural woodlands are home to some of Europe’s best collections of lichens, mosses and liverworts. The Atlantic Oakwoods here are nationally important. We and other landowners and communities are working in partnership as the Initiative Sunart Oakwoods to conserve and restore this endangered habitat.

Walking trails

Garbh Eilean Walking Trails Route Card (PDF)

Walking

Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide Trail

A short stroll through the oak trees to a magnificent wildlife hide above Loch Sunart's rocky shore.

Wide, smooth gravel surface with a moderate slope. Includes a section of boardwalk out to the hide.

¼ miles / 0.3 km

Allow ¼ hour

More information

There are panoramic views from the attractive wooden hide, which overlooks two small islands. Common seals often bask on Garbh Eilean, the 'rough island', and herons gather on the other, while many seabirds are passing visitors. Sit back, enjoy the views and, if you're lucky, you might spot otters and sea eagles fishing in the loch and golden eagles soaring overhead.

Facilities and access

All ability trails

Easy-access facilities

Parking (charge)

Walking

Wildlife hide

The hide has bench seats and viewing openings to look through, with binoculars usually available.

Car parking information

The car park can hold seven cars. There is an easy access picnic bench suitable for visitors with wheelchairs near the parking area.

There is also a parking area at Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide, ½ mile west (towards Salen), where the short trail down to the hide is suitable for everyone.

The charges to park at this forest car park are:

• £1 for up to 1 hour – all vehicles
• £3 for all day
• Blue Badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

Payment can be made using RingGo.

Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our Forest Search, marked as a 'P' without the £ symbol.

Annual parking pass available:

Available in advance by downloading the application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions (PDF) before applying.

More about parking

Grab a refreshment

Go to Strontian for food and drink, shops, fuel, and public toilets.

Water safety

We want all our visitors to have a safe and enjoyable time at our forests. If you plan on venturing into the water here, please read our safety advice first.

Water safety

Accessibility

Getting here

From Strontian, take the A861 west for about 5¼ miles (8.5 km). Garbh Eilean car park is on the left.

Using SatNav?

PH36 4HY is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

There are buses from Fort William to Kilchoan via Strontian and Salen every day except Sunday, which pass Garbh Eilean car park. Check timetables at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions