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Glen Hurich (Polloch)

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Latest forest information

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

A wild, remote glen with sweeping views of Loch Shiel

Deep and winding Glen Hurich (Gleann na h'Iubraich) is thickly wooded, and one of the most productive forests in the area. The woods, rivers and lochs here are full of wildlife – watch out for red deer, golden eagles and the rare black throated diver.

Explore the quiet trails here for superb views of Loch Shiel, Loch Doilet and the River Polloch, and discover the fascinating ruined lead mines at Corrantee.

Oakwoods once grew all along the Atlantic coast from Norway to Spain; the woodland here at Glen Hurich is a rare surviving fragment of those ancient forests. There was once a much larger population here producing charcoal, bark for leather tanning and timber for building. More recently the woods were planted with non-native coniferous species which stopped the oak wood species expanding. Now, with local community support, the conifers are gradually being removed and the oakwood habitat restored.

These semi-natural woodlands are home to some of the best collections of lower plants (plants which do not flower) in the whole of Europe. The clean air, moist climate and long continuity of woodland cover have combined to produce ideal conditions for lichens, mosses and liverworts. On the edges of the Sunart oakwoods in early summer, you might also be lucky enough to spot the rare chequered skipper butterfly.

Facilities and access

Parking
Parking
Walking
Walking

Exploring Glen Hurich

The Polloch car park is an excellent spot to start exploring the area. However, do be aware that there is usually forestry work going on in this area. For your own safety, please obey any signs.

Please note, beyond the carpark there is a private road, no unauthorised vehicles are allowed beyond this point.

Life's essentials

You'll find public toilets, refreshments, shopping and information at nearby Strontian.

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.

More about parking

Getting here

From Strontian, follow the unclassified road over the hill to Polloch village. The car park is at the end of the public road.

Using SatNav?

PH37 4LX is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

There are buses from Fort William to Strontian every day except Sunday. Find timetables at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6650 (option 1)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Drooping conifer branch

A breathtaking Atlantic oakwood, peaceful and serene

Facilities and activities
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Picnic area
Picnic area
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Walking
Walking
Stay the Night
Stay the Night
Distance from 'Ariundle': 2.19 miles
Drooping conifer branch

An atmospheric walk with stunning views of Loch Sunart

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Distance from 'Phemie’s Walk': 3.34 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Walk through native woodland to our lochside wildlife hide 

Facilities and activities
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Picnic area
Picnic area
Walking
Walking
Wildlife hide
Wildlife hide
Stay the Night
Stay the Night
Distance from 'Àrd-Àirigh': 6.03 miles