You will encounter some of the biggest trees in Britain here. Conifers especially love Cowal, with its cool, moist climate and long summer days. There are also many native woods, rich with oak, birch, alder and willow.

Iconic Highland wildlife thrives here. Red squirrels are common while red and roe deer roam among the trees. If you are lucky, you might glimpse otters playing or golden eagles flying overhead.

Welcome to Argyll Forest Park

Discover this beautiful, tree-cloaked corner of Scotland to walk, ride and relax in Britain’s oldest forest park.Trobhad is cuir eòlas air cuairtean-coille a’ cheàrnaidh àlainn seo den Ghàidhealtachd. Air chois no air rothar: tha an roghainn agadsa!

Forestry Commission Scotland trails are graded according to the degree of difficulty, gradients and type of conditions visitors can expect.

All accessSensiblefootwear

All abilityEasy pathsand terrain

EasySensiblefootwear

EasyMuscleloosener

ModerateWaterprooffootwear

ModerateMusclestretcher

StrenuousHillwalkingboots

StrenuousMusclebuilder

All abilityEasy pathsand terrain

EasyMuscleloosener

ModerateMusclestretcher

All accessSensiblefootwear

EasySensiblefootwear

ModerateSensiblefootwear

StrenuousHillwalkingboots

StrenuousMusclebuilder

Take care on the hillsPlease remember that the weather on the hills can change very quickly. Even in summer, conditions on the tops of hills are often much colder and windier than at low levels, despite clear skies.

Map Key and Trail Grades

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Where the lively Croe Water washes the foot of the Cobbler is a dramatic landscape that has attracted travellers for centuries. Make your own journey along the tree-lined river as it tumbles towards Loch Long. Salmon swim in its water while otter play where it meets the loch. Each spring, the Croe Water’s banks are draped with swathes of bluebells.

On a bike, you can follow the challenging, 20-mile (32km) Ardgartan Peninsula Circuit, the more moderate 7-mile (11km) Ardgartan Shore and Coilessan Glen route or the short but sweet 5-mile (8km) Cat Craig Loop.

1¼ miles / 2 km Allow ½ hour

1¾ miles / 3 km Allow 1 hour

Riverside Trail

A gentle route along the Croe Water through broadleaved trees to Loch Long.

The trail is mostly on Tarmac and forest road with some narrow track sections, level with a few moderate slopes and steps.

Boat House Trail

A peaceful walk that leaves the Riverside trail to snake above Loch Long.

A trail on forest road, narrow track and Tarmac that is mostly level with one short, steep slope.

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Explore Scotland’s Forest Parks: 1. Glenmore 4. Argyll2. Tay 5. Tweed Valley 3. Queen Elizabeth 6. Galloway

Forestry Commission Scotland, Cowal & Trossachs Forest District Aberfoyle, Stirling, FK8 3UX

Tel: 01877 382383Email: cowal&trossachs@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Web: www.forestry.gov.uk/argyllforestparkPublic enquiry line: 0845 3673787

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© Crown Copyright 2014

For information on public transport services contact: Traveline Scotland, 0871 2002233 or www.travelinescotland.com

If you need this publication in an alternative format, for example, in large print or in another language, please contact:

The Diversity Team Tel: 0300 067 5046E-mail: diversity@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

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At the head of Loch Goil, explore pretty woodland where the beautiful Donich Falls are framed by towering conifers and join generations of travellers passing along the old Duke’s Path.

Glen Donich Trail

Experience the Donich Falls and follow an ancient Argyll road.

The route is mostly firm, single-track path with forest road and some steep steps.

Tom a’ Chluig Trail

A trail that rises above the trees for great views from Tom a’ Chluig hill.

Some steep sections but more moderate as the trail follows forest roads and part of a public road.

2½ miles / 4 km Allow 1½ hours

3½ miles / 5.6 km Allow 2 hours

Cruach Tairbeirt1

These pretty woods nestle above the pass through which warlike Norsemen once land-hauled their longships from Loch Long to Loch Lomond. Today, the secluded hillside is perfect for finding some peace.

Cruach Tairbeirt Trail

Climb the hillside above Tarbet village through charming mixed woodland to reach high conifers and forest glens.

A route on forest road andwell-compacted single trackwith moderate slopes anda few steps.

Arrochar Trail

Pass through attractive woodland for views of the three fanged Cobbler, Beinn Narnain and A’ Chrois in the Arrochar Alps.

The trail is on forest roadand well-compacted singletracks with moderate slopesand a few steps.

2 miles / 3.2 km Allow 1 hour

2 miles / 3.2 km Allow 1 hour

Ardgartan, Loch Long © scottishviewpoint.com

Ardgartan2

Today, you can explore Cowal’s most inspiring woodlands on a network of well-managed trails. In this Highland landscape of mountain and glen, forest and water, you can discover breathtaking views, picnic by peaceful lochs, reflect on unique Gaelic heritage and find exhilarating challenges on your bike.

Where great forests

meet Atlantic shores

Big Tree Trail

An engaging route that rises among towering trees with good views.

A broad path up the hillside with long, steep sections on uneven surfaces.

Black Gates Trail

A pleasant circular walk through mature conifers with great views that links Benmore with Puck’s Glen.

A broad trail on a firm surface with stretches of forest road and Tarmac. Moderate slopes and some steep steps.

Puck’s Glen Gorge Trail

An evocative, magical trail along a narrow gorge with many waterfalls.

The route has short, steep slopes, flights of steps, narrow, rock-cut sections and wooden bridges with some unprotected edges and uneven surfaces that are occasionally slippery.

Eckford House Trail

A satisfying climb through mature conifers with lovely views.

A broad path that snakes up the hillside with long, steep sections on a firm, sometimes uneven surface, with stretches of Tarmac and forest road.

Eucalyptus Trail

Visit some guests from Down Under and, on a warm day, the wonderful aroma will transport you to the Australian bush.

The gravel path has some short, moderate slopes and rougher sections.

Conifer Trail

Encounter redwoods from California and monkey puzzles from South America on the hillside.

This gravel and grass path includes a long steep section and can be slippery when wet.

John Jackson Trail

An easy stroll taking in pines, ornamental maples and horse chestnuts.

The gravel path is wide and flat at first and has a seat. The full circular route includes a steeper and rougher section.

Discover spectacular waterfalls in the lush Allt Robuic gorge, towering conifers and views over Loch Eck in this stunning woodland. The estate was once owned by music hall star Sir Harry Lauder, who sold it to the Forestry Commission in 1921.

Glenbranter4

Take your bike around the 22-mile (35km) Loch Eck Loop, which includes some very steep slopes, or the more family-friendly 6.75-mile (11km) Glenshellish Loop.

Broadleaves Trail

This route goes through native woodlandplanted for the old estate, with great views towards Loch Eck.

Forest road and narrower paths with short, steep sections on gravel.

Gleneck Trail Trail

A route with impressive views to Beinn Lagan, passing through pleasant, mature woodland.

A short, steep start and long, moderate slopes on forest road and narrow, firm paths that have some loose gravel.

Waterfall Trail

The trail visits the Allt Robuic gorge with its many waterfalls and pockets of ancient oakwood.

A route that follows forest road and sometimes narrow paths on mostly gentle slopes with a few short, steep sections and steps. Its gravel surface is occasionally loose and muddy.

¾ miles / 1.3 km Allow ½ hour

2 miles / 3.1 km Allow 1½ hours

2 miles / 3 km Allow 1¼ hours

Explore stunning woodland on routes once the preserve of Ardentinny’s foresters who nurtured seedlings here. The beach is washed by the waters of Loch Long, familiar to Viking fleets, Gaelic raiders, wartime Commando assault boats and nuclear submarines. A 4.75-mile (7.6km) path leads to Carrick Castle.

Ardentinny5

Birchwood Trail

A pleasant walk through native birchwood that passes below pretty crags.

A trail on forest road and firm, single-track paths with short, moderate slopes and some steps.

Riverside Trail

A route along the River Finnart that is particularly impressive when bejewelled with spring flowers.

A broad, level route on a firm surface and some Tarmac sections.

Laird’s Trail

An interesting route that follows the shoreline, climbs a forested hillside and loops above a lively burn.

A broad although occasionally narrow trail, mostly on forest roads with short, steep slopes on gravel. Single track by the shore.

½ miles / 1 km Allow 40mins

1 miles / 1.5 km Allow ¾ hour

2 miles / 3 km Allow 1¾ hours

Discover a magical trail through Puck’s Glen, a deep, woodland gorge with acascade of enchanting waterfalls. At nearby Benmore, walk under mighty conifers, including Californian redwood,and marvel at the blooming rhododendrons in May and early June. Take your bike on the 22-mile (35km) Loch Eck Loop.

Benmore & Puck’s Glen6 7

1¼ miles / 2.1 km Allow 1 hour

3¼ miles / 5 km Allow 2 hours

1¾ miles / 2.7 km Allow 1½ hours

2¼ miles / 3.4 km Allow 1¾ hours

Wander the woodlands of the world in this remarkable hillside arboretum. Since the 1930s, hundreds of species have been planted here to test their worth as timber producers. Many thrived – see for yourself as you explore Kilmun’s well-maintained paths. In the summer heat, the different scents are as striking as the different shapes and colours.

Kilmun8

½ mile / 0.5 km Allow ½ hour

¾ mile / 1.2 km Allow ¾ hour

Look down over Dunoon, the capital of Cowal, from this network of hillside paths. There are unforgettable, panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde coast. Remains of old farms survive among the trees that provide shelter for abundant wildlife.

Corlarach9

Berry Burn Trail

Meander through young conifers for views over Dunoon and the Clyde.

A gentle trail that is mostly on forest road with some well-surfaced, narrow paths.

Balgaidh Burn Trail

A more challenging hillside route is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over Dunoon to the Clyde and Loch Long.

Steep slopes in places and some loose material on narrow paths and forest roads.

Clyde View Trail

This route follows the contours of Kilbride Hill for great views over Dunoon and the Clyde.

Some steep slopes on forest roads and narrow paths with occasional loose material.

1¾ miles / 2.8 km Allow 1 hour

3 miles / 4.8 km Allow 2½ hours

1½ miles / 2.4 km Allow 1½ hours

Enjoy exceptional views to the Western Isles and some surprising oriental scenery. A cycle trail links Ardyne with the Corlarach car park.

Ardyne10

Ardyne Trail

Pass through native woodland and conifers for stunning views over the Kyles of Bute, Arran and, on a clear day, Kintyre and Jura.

This circular route is on well-compacted single track with occasional steep slopes.

Chinese Ponds Trail

Beyond young birch woods discover fabulous ponds and arched bridges built to mimic scenes on willow pattern crockery.

Follow firmly-surfaced single track and forest road with moderate slopes, steep in places.

Clyde viewpoint

Rise above the Chinese Ponds Trail to reach a secluded forest with wonderful views of the Clyde coast.

A well-compacted, single track and forest road that is mostly moderate but occasionally steep.

1¼ miles / 2 km Allow ¾ hour

2¼ miles / 3.6 km Allow 1¼ hours

2 miles / 3.2 km Allow 1½ hours

Cladaichean àlainn no bruaichean casa nam beann? Ceumannan socair sìmplidh no cuairtean-rothair cama cruaidhe? Gheibh thu sgrìob anns na coilltean a fhreagras ort. Siuthad, gabh cuairt!

Lovely shorelines or steep mountainsides? Easy paths or challenging cycle-tracks? You’ll find something to suit you in the forests. Go on and take a trail!

Dìreach bho chionn ghoirid, b’ i sgìre Ghàidhlig dha-rìribh a bh’ ann an Comhghall, loma-làn de sgeulachdan, òrain, is eachdraidh, is gun e achceum beag bìodach bho ùpraid a’ bhaile mhòir.

Just a short time ago Cowal was a truly Gaelic district, brimful of stories, songs, and history, and just a little step from the uproar of the city.

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© scottishview

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Eider duck © northeastw

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1 mile / 1.6 km Allow ¾ hour

Euca

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www.iStockphoto.com