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Argyll Forest Park

(Average user rating5 unrated 5/5)

About Argyll Forest Park

This magnificent stretch of rugged hill country was established in 1935, as the first Forest Park for public use in Britain. Many visitors who have come to know the Argyll Forest Park, its mountains, glens, lochs and woodlands, claim that it is also the ‘finest of them all’.

All visitors to the park please take extra care during this spell of wintry weather.  Car Parks, trails and paths may be slippery due to ice and snow.

Please give us your feedback

We are currently looking for responses to our draft strategy for access, recreation and tourism in Cowal and Trossachs Forest District (PDF 1.4Mb).  Please let us have your comments by Monday 15th March 2010.

How to get there:

Dunoon is the nearest town or village.

There are two equally appealing approaches to the Forest Park from Glasgow.

Follow the M8 to Gourock or Greenock and take the ferry (see ferry links in the right hand column), or take the A82 along the western shore of Loch Lomond through Tarbet, entering the Park at Arrochar.

OS Grid Reference: NS108976
For details of public transport visit http://www.travelinescotland.com

Places to go in Argyll Forest Park

Loch Goil
Ardgartan
Arrochar
Tarbet
Benmore
Glenbranter Forest
Loch Eck
Ardentinny and Glenfinnart
Glen Croe
Kilmun Aboretum

Other places to go in this area

VIEW ALONG LOCH ECK

Facilities:

ParkingToiletsInformationVisitor CentreForest ShopOther FacilitiesEasy AccessRefreshments

Activities:

WalkingCyclingEducationalFishingBarbecuePicnicWildlife ActivitiesArboretumForest DriveHorse RidingCampingWatersportsPlay AreaOrienteering

Contact

Recreation Team
Cowal & Trossachs
01877 382383
e-mail: cowal&trossachs@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

User Comments

Name: sm (5 Stars)
15/Jan/2010
On many occasions passing Loch Eck I have seen day trippers setting fire to wood on and off the shores. Normally on my return hours later no day trippers but a fire is still smouldering. It worries me sometimes as I would hate for a forest fire to take control and ruin our beautiful and creatures.
Trippers should discouraged from setting up fires in the forest.
Forestry Commission Response:
Lighting fires is covered by the outdoor access code, which we actively encourage forest users to be familiar with and follow. The code outlines where fires can and can't be lit and is also explicit about making sure all traces of the fire are removed, as well as suggesting that visitors use stoves for preference.
Name: lynfrl (5 Stars)
12/Aug/2009
Loch Eck Forest?? does this include the shore of the loch and who takes care of it? My favourite spot ( and tree) has been burnt at the root is there any way we can protect the edge of the loch from day trippers
Forestry Commission Response:
Forestry Commission Scotland does manage most of the shore around Loch Eck. It is a special place and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for the quality of the woodland and the mosses and lichens in the area. The protection of the trees is important to us and it is both sad and criminal that careless people have caused damage to the tree. We welcome & encourage responsible visitors to the National Forest Estate. We are working closely with the police and National Park to prevent irresponsible behaviour, through coordinated patrols, site design and education.
Name: Family Grevstad-Nordbrock (5 Stars)
18/Jun/2009
Just lovely, and accessible to family members young and old! Keep up the good land use!!!

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