Thursday, 16 September 2021
Ospreys are one of Scotland’s greatest wildlife revival stories. Considered extinct as a breeding bird in the British Isles in 1916, there are now about 250 pairs across the countr...
Glen Orchy
Where we are
COVID-19 update
- Read our COVID-19 Information in advance of your visit.
- Most of our forests and facilities are open, but use our website to check before you travel.
- Do not light campfires or use disposable barbecues.
- Park considerately, taking care not to park on verges or block gates or roads.
- Take care on or around open water. Find out more on our Water Safety page.
Latest forest information
- The car park at Catnish is closed. All other car parks in Glen Orchy remain open.
- Forest Road foot access from Bridge of Orchy to Glen Orchy is currently affected by flooding with a change of road surface. The road is still passable however with care.
About
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
The nearest public toilets and cafés are in Tyndrum. The hotel in Bridge of Orchy also serves food and drink.
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.
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.
Nearby forests
Community woodland with short trails
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Glen Orchy': 5.59 miles
Quiet riverside picnic site with mountain views
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Glen Orchy': 7.64 miles
Quiet riverside trails in oak and birch woodland
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Glen Orchy': 8.49 miles
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