Airstreams in Argyll Forest Park with horseback riding

The craggy peaks, misty glens and serene lochs that comprise Argyll Forest Park cover a vast swath of Argyll’s Cowal peninsula, and much of it lies within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The forest park stretches all the way from the Holy Loch, an inlet of the Firth of Clyde, to the peaks of the Arrochar Alps and lies at the southern end of the Highland Boundary Fault that marks the line between the Lowlands and Highlands. The diverse, rugged landscapes are ideal for hiking and mountain biking, as well as spotting wildlife including red deer and red squirrels. While there are no campsites, motorhomes and campervans can stay overnight at the Ardentinny and Loch Eck’s Jubilee Point car parks.

For enjoying sunny days and taking advantage of the long daylight hours, April through September is the best time to visit Argyll Forest Park, but the height of the summer season does sometimes bring crowded trails. If planning to visit in the summer months, it’s a good idea to at least avoid school holidays and weekends. Staying overnight in car parks is only permitted from late April through October.

• Be sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code while out and about.
• Glenbranter is the main area of the forest park. At the Glenbranter Forest Office you can pick up maps and use the public toilets. There is also a coffee shop at Benmore Botanic Garden.
• Buses from Dunoon to Strachur and Inverary pass the entrance to the Glenbranter, Puck’s Glen and Benmore areas: tell the driver where you want to get off.