Here’s some of the best Loch Awe walks for exploring the many forest trails around Scotland’s longest loch. Each walk offers plenty opportunity to see Argyll’s abundant native wildlife and discover the loch’s many historic sites from castles to crannogs.
Guests renting any of our luxury cottages – the Blue Cottage at Loch Awe or nearby Stable Cottage at Furnace on Loch Fyne – are provided with trail maps and guides for hundreds of trails and marked walks throughout Argyll.
Dalavich Oakwoods and Avich Falls
On the west side of Loch Awe, the River Avich descends from the small loch of the same name flowing into Loch Awe by way of the ancient Dalavich oakwood forest. As the river nears Loch Awe, the spectacular Avich waterfall cascades over stepped rocks at a designated picnic stop. Follow the blue trail (1.5 miles/2.5km) to reach the falls, or the red one to see more of the woods as well as lovely views of Loch Awe. This is easily one of the most spectacular and unexplored walks in mid-Argyll.
Glen Nant National Nature Reserve
A little inland from Loch Awe, the Glen Nant Nature Reserve offers a gentle trail by the river Nant (red markers, 0.25 miles/0.4 km) and a more challenging walk uphill through oakwoods (white markers, 2 miles/3.5 km).
Durran to Furnace Drove Road
For those looking to take on a lengthier walk, the old drovers’ road from Durran on the east shore of Loch Awe to Furnace on the west side of Loch Fyne, is a great choice. Once the route of cattle being taken between the two villages, this cross country path is around 7 miles (11 km) long and winds through forests and open countryside. Walk this trail at dusk and you might see the friendly ‘white lady’ ghost rumoured to haunt the pathway down to Durran.
Wildlife
Walking in the Loch Awe area is also a wonderful way to spot some of the diverse local wildlife, including deer, pine martens, red squirrels, woodpeckers and, particularly in Glen Nant, butterflies and wood ants.
You can get even closer to nature, with a falconry experience at Kintail Wild Birds of Prey near Eredine Village on the South East side of the loch.
And of course, what trip to the Scottish Highlands would be complete without seeing the world famous and iconic Highland Cows? Visit Cladich Fold near the northern end of Loch Awe’s east side and you can’t miss these colourful cattle in the fields nearby!
More to do at Loch Awe:
Ready to savour the walks and wildlife of Loch Awe? Then book your stay at the Blue Cottage or at the nearby Stable Cottage on the shoreline of Loch Fyne.
Photo credits
- Highland cow – © VisitScotland / photography Paul Tomkins
- Red deer- © VisitScotland / photography Paul Tomkins
