Some of our favourite spring walks
Spring is a great time to get out and enjoy new flowers and budding trees while you walk along our forest trails. So, pack your gear and a snack and get out into the trees.
Ardentinny
Cowal's longest sandy beach.
Spring is a great time to head to the beach. Why not bring a picnic and explore Ardentinny’s network of woodland trails?
The beach was used by the Royal Navy as a training area for Normandy. Take the Riverside Trail along the Glenfinart Burn through exotic monkey puzzles, cypress and firs. Or venture along the longer Laird’s Trail, along the shoreline and through a larch forest to the Laird’s Grave.
Ardentinny also has a strenuous 1.6 km trail through native birch and oak wood and along the crags of Lover’s Leap. This steep walk takes you back down Grotto Burn and back towards the beach.
Strone Hill
Quiet riverside trail in oak and birch woodland.
Strone Hill is a quick stop for people looking to stretch their legs. With stone benches, picnic areas, and a lovely walk to wander it’s the perfect detour.
Take the River Lochy Falls Trail through a nice woodland to a viewpoint over the falls, which are particularly impressive in autumn and winter. Continue the 2.6 km loop through native woodland along the river back to the car park.
Barnaline
Ancient Caledonian forest and cascading waterfalls.
Take the Oakwood Trail through the extensive Dalavich rainforest. This forest is rich with mosses, ferns, and lichen for you to explore and identify. The route passes waterfalls and a peaceful burn where you can stop to enjoy the forest around you.
The circular route also provides visitors with views over Loch Awe and the surrounding area. Hundred of years ago it was used for charcoal production, look out for signs of the industry while you listen to birds and squirrels along the trail.
Rainforest restoration began here in the 1980s. The native woodland has recovered so well it's hard to believe that many places were recently dominated by non-native conifers.
Earth Pillars
An enchanting wood overlooking the River Spey.
This tranquil wood has a maze of old paths and trails for you to explore. Follow the Earth Pillars Trail along the steep side of the Ordiequish Burn to a great view of the River Spey.
Look out for strange stones and rocky formations. These ancient structures were deposited thousands of years ago by retreating glaciers.
Ordiequish is also home to some of the Moray Monster Trails, our mountain bike routes. There are exciting blue and black graded trails here, starting from the Ordiequish car park a mile back up the road towards Fochabers.
Don't forget your binoculars! The River Spey is a great spot to see ospreys fishing in the peaceful waters below.
Change House
Peaceful picnic spot on Loch Ness' south shore with views over Urquhart Castle.
With views over Loch Ness and Great Glen, this is a great place for a picnic or a stroll along the stony shore. The forest also gives visitors a different perspective of Urquhart Castle, which is nestled on the far side of the loch.
Take the short Change House Trail through hazel woods along the shore to the ruins of Change House. This was a staging post where travellers would stop and rest, and the inspiration for writers like Dr. Samuel Johnson and James Boswell.
The South Loch Ness Trail also passes through Change House. This 45 km route links Loch Tarff with Torbreck.