Ardcastle
Adventures in Ardcastle
The forest roads and paths that criss-cross the woods running down to the loch shore are ideal for walking, cycling and horse-riding – and there are plenty of scenic picnic spots to enjoy the views or watch for wildlife.
Keep an eye out for common seals on the loch, and red squirrels and deer in the forest. You’ll find the ancient and atmospheric ruins of St Bride’s Chapel amongst the trees here too.
Notice
- Forest road upgrade works taking place in Ardcastle until early January 2019. Part of the yellow Ardcastle Point Trail is closed during the upgrade, however other areas of the forest are still open for access. More information will be on site at the main car park.
Pick up a few essentials
You can find refreshments at nearby Minard village, plus public toilets and plenty of places to eat, drink and shop at Lochgilphead.
Walking trails
Forest road upgrade works taking place in Ardcastle until early January 2019. Part of the yellow Ardcastle Point Trail is closed during the upgrade, however other areas of the forest are still open for access. More information will be on site at the main car park.
Crag Trail
A refreshing walk to take in the sights and smells of the atmospheric spruce forest, which is home to both roe and sika deer.
Uneven gravel and grassy surface with several muddy sections. One steep slope by the car park.
1 ¼ miles / 1.9 km Allow 1 hour
Hazel Burn Trail
Wind through the woods to discover where the burn that flows from Lochan Dubh in the hills above Ardcastle meets the shore of Loch Fyne.
Uneven gravel and grassy surface, with some steep slopes. Includes some very muddy sections.
2 ¾ miles / 4.4 km Allow 2 hours
Ardcastle Point Trail
For the more adventurous, this trail takes in many of Ardcastle Forest’s highlights, including a meander along the water’s edge of Loch Gair and Loch Fyne. Stop to take in the views across the water to the Cowal peninsula from the pebbly beach or at the two picnic sites along the way. Watch out for seals, seabirds and otters off the beach and spot butterflies in summertime at the sand quarry. This trail also leads you past the ruins of ancient St Bride’s Chapel and its small graveyard, overlooking Loch Gair. The trail also rises above the shoreline to avoid the working timber pier.
Uneven grassy paths with long muddy sections. Short rough, narrow path out to Ardcastle Point. Several steep slopes. Mostly wide, with some low branches.
5 miles / 8.0 km Allow 3½ hours
How to get here
Ardcastle is on the A83 between Lochgair and Minard, on the western shore of Loch Fyne. From Lochgilphead, look for the turning for Ardcastle car park about 2 miles (3km) after Lochgair. From the north, the turning is about 3½ miles (5.5km) beyond Minard. The car park is at grid reference NR 942 919.
Using SatNav?
PA31 8SB is the nearest postcode, but please note that this in Lochgair village.
Public transport
There are regular buses between Glasgow and Campbeltown via Lochgilphead that stop at Lochgair and Minard. Find details at Traveline Scotland.
Nearby places
It’s only a short hop to the other side of the A83 to reach Glashan forest and reservoir, with more scenic woodland and a waterside trail, as well as a great picnic spot overlooking Loch Glashan.
Our leaflet guide to the forests of Mid Argyll & Kintyre will help you explore more wonderful woodlands.
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For questions and complaints, please contact us directly.
