Forests in Knapdale
Visit Knapdale to watch wildlife, explore ruins, discover lochs, enjoy great views – and maybe even meet a beaver. There are plenty of enticing trails, from gentle strolls around Barnluasgan Loch or across the gorge at Dunardry to more challenging rambles and cycle rides up the ‘knaps’ and down into the ‘dales’ for magnificent loch, canal and sea views.
There’s plenty of wildlife here but the stars of the show are Knapdale’s reintroduced beavers: find out more at Barnluasgan Information Centre. There’s a wealth of history too, including ancient Castle Dounie, a holy well, abandoned villages and the remarkable Crinan Canal.
Forests to visit
Achnabreac
Step back in time and discover 4,000 year-old rock art
Barnluasgan
The best place to start exploring Knapdale, with its Information Centre, scenic woodland trails and the chance to spot beavers.
Crinan
Bird’s eye views of the Sound of Jura and the Inner Hebrides from old Atlantic oakwoods above Crinan’s pretty harbour.
Dunardry
Make royal connections at Dunardry: climb to the ‘height of the high king’ for spectacular canal and sea views.
Gleann a Gealbhan
Wind through the woods to the atmospheric ruins of the village of Arichonan, with sweeping Loch Sween views.