Fearnoch

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Feeling free at Fearnoch

This peaceful woodland near Taynuilt is ideal for a stroll, cycle or horse-ride. There are dramatic views to Ben Cruachan, Argyll’s highest mountain, from lofty picnic tables above the car park, which was once a quarry.

The diverse, working woodland is being transformed by planting a variety of tree species. Watch out for woodland birds and red squirrels in the canopy and spot huge piles of pine needles that are the homes of busy wood ants.

Our guide to the forests of North Argyll (PDF 3.7MB) will help you explore Fearnoch and other woodlands in this wonderful part of Scotland.

 

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Find life's essentials

You’ll find public toilets and places to eat, drink and shop in the nearby village of Taynuilt, and plenty of facilities in Oban.

Walking trails

Ceum Nan Seangan Trail

A short wander through the mixed forest to look for roe deer watching from the cover of the forest, and the nests of wood ants on the 'path of the ants'.

Wide, firm gravel surface throughout. Long moderate slopes with some short fairly steep sections.

1 ¼ miles /
2.0 km
Allow
¾ hours

More information...

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Your eyes may be constantly drawn to the great mountain of Ben Cruachan on the horizon, but look out for some much smaller hills among the trees… They’re the impressive wood ant hills beside the path, made from thousands of pine needles.

This trail takes its name from these busy woodland workers:  Ceum nan Seangan is Gaelic for the Path of the Ants. You might see roe deer and red squirrels amongst the trees too.

Tri Drochaidean Trail

The 'three bridges trail' is a good tour of tranquil Fearnoch Forest, ‘the place abounding in alders’, which can be found along the sparkling River Luachragan. 

Wide, firm gravel surface throughout. Includes some steep slopes and a wide bridge.

2 ¼ miles /
3.8 km
Allow
1½ hours

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Cycling trails

Mountain biking trails

Exploring further into Fearnoch

The shorter trails at Fearnoch are ideal for walking, with a good network of peaceful forest roads ideal for horse-riding or cycling too.

If you want to explore farther afield by bike, National Cycle Route 78 passes Fearnoch. This scenic on-road route already links Campbeltown at the tip of the Kintyre Peninsula with Oban and will soon be extended to reach Inverness, via Fort William and Fort Augustus.

Contact: West Argyll Forest District

Address: Whitegates, Lochgilphead, Argyll

Postcode: PA31 8RS

Telephone: 0300 067 6650

Email: westargyll@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

How to get here

Fearnoch is beside the A82 Tyndrum to Oban road, about 2 miles (3.2km) west of the village of Taynuilt. The turning for Fearnoch car park is about 400 yards (400m) east of Fearnoch village. Please do not use the village road – there is no vehicle access to the trails from the village.

National Cycle Route 78 also passes Fearnoch.

The car park is at grid reference NM 968 321.

Using SatNav?

PA35 1JB is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

There are regular buses between Tyndrum and Oban that stop at Fearnoch. There is also a train service between Tyndrum and Oban that stops at Taynuilt. Find details at Traveline Scotland.

Nearby places

You’re not far from secluded Glen Nant, a National Nature Reserve, where there’s a lovely undulating ramble through old oak woodland or a gentle stroll beside the burn to a shady picnic spot.

Head north along the coast towards Fort William to reach Beinn Lora, where it’s well worth the short, steep climb through conifer and beech woods for panoramic coast and mountain views.

Look out for the Falls of Lora, just 3 miles (5km) away at Connel. This remarkable white-water spectacle forms at the mouth of Loch Etive whenever the tide goes out in the bay beyond. Find out when to see the falls in action.