Glen Orchy

Rushing waterfalls and ancient pine in an iconic Scottish glen

Take a detour from the busy main roads connecting Dalmally and Bridge of Orchy via Tyndrum and enjoy a pleasant stretch of Scotland's ancient Caledonian forest. The quiet B8074 runs the length of Glen Orchy and is perfect to explore by bike or car. Stop to view the rapids of Eas Urchaidh waterfall, where a track leads up into the forest should you wish to stretch your legs.

The forestry tracks can also be accessed from Bridge of Orchy village. The riverside picnic area here has great views of the surrounding Munros and is a popular spot with walkers on the West Highland Way and kayakers exploring the River Orchy.

Activities

Explore on bike or horse

The forest roads and tracks are great fun on mountain bike or horseback. Ordnance Survey maps Landranger 50: Glen Orchy & Loch Etive and Explorer 377: Loch Etive & Glen Orchy cover the forest and its surrounding area.

Kayaking

The car park and picnic site at Glen Orchy is popular with kayakers as a put-in spot for the River Orchy. The UK Rivers Guidebook has a route description for the extremely challenging middle section.

Beinn Dorain and Beinn an Dothaidh hill walk

It's also the best place to park for the hill path to Beinn Dorain and Beinn an Dothaidh - two fine Munros to the east of Bridge of Orchy. This is a challenging walk which should be attempted by experienced hill walkers only.

West Highland Way

The West Highland Way also passes nearby. The car park is popular with those attempting the sections in each direction from Bridge of Orchy.

Facilities and access

Parking

Mountain access

Picnic area

The nearest public toilets and cafés are in Tyndrum. The hotel in Bridge of Orchy also serves food and drink.

Getting here

The B8074 road runs the full 10 mile length of Glen Orchy. Turn onto it from the A85, 2 miles east of Dalmally; or from the A82, ¾ mile south of Bridge of Orchy.

To find the car park and picnic site at Bridge of Orchy, turn off the A82 at Bridge of Orchy Hotel and head over the bridge.

Using SatNav?

PA36 4AB is the nearest postcode for the Bridge of Orchy car park.

Public transport

Trains and buses between Glasgow and Fort William stop at Bridge of Orchy. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions