Forests and Rainforests in Argyll & the Isles

Explore trails that range from a short stroll beneath ancient oaks to an all-day bike tour.

One of the most magical forests in Scotland, with a delightful trail along a rocky gorge.

Next door to Benmore Botanic Garden, the forest here has some of Scotland's most impressive giant trees. Rhododendrons are a blaze of colour in summer.

Find your way through a grove of monkey puzzles at this little-known gem. It’s a fascinating collection of over 150 different tree species from around the world.

There are easy trails suitable for wheelchairs and buggies here, and seaside strolls on Cowal's longest sandy beach.

Ardgartan (meaning the High Garden in Gaelic) is at the heart of an area of vast natural beauty. The forest of Sitka and Norway spruce is an ideal habitat for red squirrel, roe deer, buzzards and owls. Mixed woodland along the many small rivers and burns is home to otters, kingfishers and bats.

The trails offer great views for cyclists, walkers or horse riders. If you don’t feel like following the waymarked trails, just wander wherever you fancy... through the forest, across the hills or along the secluded loch shore.

Explore this peaceful corner of Cowal and discover its superb views over Bute and the Firth of Clyde. One of the hidden gems of this area is the ornamental Chinese ponds – picnic here and enjoy their tranquil beauty.

The mountains clustered around the head of Loch Long are known as The Arrochar Alps and are renowned amongst Glasgow hillwalkers. The car park here is the starting point for long, tough walks that climb through the forest up to the triple fangs of The Cobbler or to the Munro tops of Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime.

Relative to those climbs, the waymarked trail around Glen Loin is a straightforward stroll along wide paths and forest tracks. However, at 11 miles it's still a long day out, although you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

uggies here, and seaside strolls on Cowal's longest sandy beach.

Whether you have an hour or a day to spare, there's a trail here to suit you. The forest rises high above Dunoon giving you fabulous views over the Firth of Clyde and Loch Striven, as well as a great chance to see local wildlife.

Corlarach means 'common pasture' – a place where local folk used to graze their cattle and sheep. Those animals are gone, but you might be lucky enough to see grouse, roe deer, red deer and the many birds of prey which thrive here today.

Situated at the base of beautiful Glen Croe, below the famous Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, Honeymoon Bridge makes for a great start to a local adventure with easy access to the surrounding hills.

With tables and benches, it's also a perfect picnic spot to break up on the long drive from Glasgow to Argyll.

As you follow the road along the eastern shore of Loch Eck, stop at one of our picnic sites and enjoy gorgeous views across the loch. Jubilee Point picnic site is particularly photogenic, so don't forget to bring your camera.

Loch Eck is a great place for wildlife. Red squirrels forage its shores and deep under its surface swims Scotland's rarest freshwater fish – the powan. This relic from the ice age is a protected species and is only found here and in Loch Lomond.

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. In spring the woods gleam with fresh green leaves and sparkle with bird song.

These truly panoramic views are among the most memorable in Argyll. From the Eagle’s Eyrie you can look over Benderloch to the Morvern Peninsula, Mull and Lismore.

The woodlands here are alive with wildlife as the trails pass through the towering trees that flourish around the River Luachragan.

Stroll through peaceful oak, willow and birch woods that cloak the secluded gorge of Allt a’Mhuilinn, crossing the lively burn on the timber Millennium Bridge.

These tranquil oakwoods provide a sanctuary for a unique array of brightly coloured lichens, once used to dye villagers’ clothing.

Marvel at the mighty fir trees of Sutherland’s Grove, the oldest of which were planted in 1870. Some tower 53 metres (174 feet) high.

Stop off at this natural resting place, where for centuries cattle drovers and other travellers along Glen Orchy have paused for a moment.

The place for stunning views of Coll, Tiree and Rum, and a fascinating journey of discovery as you find old houses and settlements among the trees.

Just a step away from Tobermory, there’s lush woodland with a play trail, barbecue area and an exciting waterfall.

While away the time watching the ferries come and go, or spot sea birds.

Stop for a picnic with a superb view, or explore the exciting coast path between here and Fishnish.

A taste of Mull’s wilder side on a journey past the loch to Glen Aros.

Choose one of three routes through this thriving forest, winding around wooded hillsides and along its pebble beaches.

Explore the ancient Caledonian forest that stretches between Loch Awe and Loch Avich.

Try and spot a resident beaver - or at least evidence of their handiwork - in these native oakwoods.

Unforgettable views across the Sound of Jura richly reward the steep climb through the trees that cloak Knapdale.

Forested slopes offer exhilarating crossings over high gorges, stunning hilltop views and pleasant strolls through peaceful woodland.