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Rushing water and ancient pines in an iconic Scottish glen

Glen Orchy

Delve into Glen Orchy

Slow down and relax in sheltered Glen Orchy. It's only a few miles from Tyndrum, but this historic glen feels a world apart. Rob Roy's mother was born in the glen, and today it’s home to the most southerly remnants of Scotland's ancient Caledonian forest. Spread your picnic blanket beside a magnificent waterfall or wander through the forest.

Notice

  • Bridge of Orchy car park will be closed temporarily early February until end March for essential West Highland Way upgrade works. Follow all safety signage. Access to the picnic site will remain open.
  • Tree felling operations taking place on the forest road to Glen Orchy. No through access along this section of forest road until works end. See map for more information (PDF 1.4MB).

 

Parking Picnic area Mountain access

Time for a snack?

The nearest places to find public toilets and a cup of tea are in Tyndrum or Bridge of Orchy. There are no facilities in Glen Orchy itself.

Walking trails


Cycling trails


Mountain biking trails


Lots to explore

Glen Orchy has plenty to explore besides the forest. The Orchy is a majestic river and very popular for walking, kayaking and fishing.

Bridge of Orchy car park and picnic site is popular for kayakers as a put-in spot for the River Orchy and for walkers passing through on the West Highland Way to stop and relax. It's also the best place to park for the hill path to Beinn Dorain and Beinn an Dothaidh (two fine Munros to the east of Bridge of Orchy).

Halfway down the glen, Eas Urchaidh (Falls of Orchy) has car parking near the magnificent waterfall and a new forest path along the riverside. Walk over the bridge itself and follow the forest road to access the forest track to Allt Broighleachan forest reserve (the most southerly remnant of Caledonian pine forest) and the hill route to Beinn Mhic-Mhonaidh.

Also in the glen, Catnish car park and picnic site is a pleasant place to stop by the river for peaceful picnics and paddling.

Stay safe while you play

Kayakers: the middle section of the River Orchy is extremely challenging. For a route description see The UK Rivers Guidebook.

Walkers and climbers: you'll find hill safety information and suggested mountain routes at Walk Highlands or Munro Magic.

Please note: The Riverside Path is currently closed until further notice. For your own safety do not attempt to access the path.

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

To get to the Bridge of Orchy car park and picnic site take the A82 north from Tyndrum. After 6½ miles (10.4 km) turn left at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel. The car park is just beyond the hotel over a bridge, at grid reference NN 295 395.

There are two more car parks in Glen Orchy itself. Follow the directions above but turn left ½ mile (800 metres) before the hotel and follow the B8074 singletrack road southwest. Eas Urchaidh car park is about 5 miles (8 km) along this road, at grid reference NN 242 320. Catnish car park and picnic site is a further 1¼ miles (2 km) on the same road, at grid reference NN 232 305.

Using SatNav?

PA36 4AB is the nearest postcode, just before Bridge of Orchy car park

Public transport

Regular trains and buses run from Glasgow to Bridge of Orchy. See Traveline Scotland for timetables.

Nearby places

The West Highland Way passes through Bridge of Orchy. There are other forest trails at Strone and Crianlarich Community Woodland. Alternatively, browse our guide to forests in North Argyll.


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