South End Forest Visitor Guide

A waterfall, a peaceful loch and lots of prehistoric sites

The South End Forest covers much of the south east of Arran. It’s the largest area of native woodland on the island and supports many different trees, plants and wildlife, including a healthy population of red squirrels.

There are long and short waymarked trails to interesting forest places, including a waterfall viewing platform, a peaceful loch and a range of prehistoric sites. Many of the trails have superb sea views.

Explore the South End and enjoy scenic views, mixed woodland and the tallest double waterfall in Arran. This is great habitat for native red squirrels and one of the best places on the island to catch sight of them. The forest is full of ancient sites, including unusual horned chambered cairns, standing stones and an iron age hill fort.

There are several ways to get into the forest. The most popular is the Glenashdale forest entrance in Whiting Bay; this route leads to the spectacular Glenashdale Falls and the neolithic Giants' Graves.

You can also take trails from near Kildonan to Loch Garbad, and from near Kilmory to the Aucheleffan standing stones and Carn Ban chambered cairn.

The Dyemill to Kilmory cycle route runs through the whole of the South End as well as neighbouring Dyemill forest. It starts near Lamlash and follows peaceful forest roads with some great viewpoints on the way.

Not all routes in the forest are waymarked, so bring a map and compass if you want to explore further.