Explore the forest, and beyond at Argyll
Forest Rangers
An entire forest at your feet. Let us show you around...
Our Forest Rangers are experts in helping you have fun in the great outdoors. They know the forests like the back of their hand and will help you to understand and connect with the forest. With experiences that are designed to show you the very best of our location, whichever activity you choose, you'll have an unforgettable experience.
Make sure you book in advance as our experiences are popular! Just choose your activity in my account.
Guided Woodland Walk
Suitable for families, groups and couples
With an entire forest waiting to be explored, it’s hard knowing where to start! Join our Forest Rangers for a guided tour, taking in some unforgettable views whilst learning a thing or two about the wildlife who call our forests home.
Mini Forest Rangers
Suitable for families and 5-11 year olds
Become a mini bird detective! Spread your wings and get ready to discover the world of bird spotting and migration. Through exciting games, crafts and immersive activities – put our feathered friends into the spotlight with help from your Forest Ranger.
Little Wild Ones
Suitable for families and pre-schoolers
When imaginations run wild, a love for nature begins to grow. And there’s no better playground than the forest! Your Forest Ranger will guide your tiny explorers through woodland activities and imaginative play – bringing stories to life as they find their first Forest Feeling.
Forest Survival
Suitable for families, groups and couples
It’s the simple things in life — like how to light a fire and build a woodland shelter. Learn it all with your Forest Ranger, then it’s time to relax around the campfire, toast some marshmallows and enjoy a well-deserved cuppa from freshly foraged herbs.
Nature by Night
Available September to March, suitable for all
Evenings in the forest just got even more extraordinary. Join a guided walk as you uncover the world of biofluorescence, using UV light to unveil a whole new world of wonders.
Outdoor adventures
Throw yourself into adventure and enjoy the very best of the outdoors on these incredible local experiences...
- Archery | from £22pp
Forest Spa
Unwind with a spa experience like no other, surrounded by the forest and a natural soundtrack outside. Switch off with soothing treatments designed for couples' time, group relaxation, or simply some time just for you.
You'll need to pre-book our in-cabin spa treatments to make sure we can get everything in place for your stay.
Book your spa experience
You'll need to pre-book our in-cabin spa treatments to make sure we can get everything in place for your stay.
Book your spa experience
Bike hire
Looking to explore more of the forest? Venture out for the day on our bikes and discover acres of woodland, or go at your own pace with full break bike hire. There’ll be a helmet and bike lock for you too, so you can keep your bike just outside your cabin door:
Our cycling options
- Adult bike hire | £18 per day or from £32 per break
- Child bike hire | £15 per day or from £28 per break
- Child seat | from £10
- Tag along | from £20
- Trailer | from £30
Just pre-book in my account, or ask at the Forest Retreat while you're here.
Elvis Owl Nature Trail
Get hands-on in the forest with this brand-new, self-led Forest Nature Trail.
Explore the incredible wildlife around you, get stuck into activities and learn amazing things about nature.
Use your discovery pack and follow our five stepping stones to nature while you get to know your forest friends. See, hear and touch nature all around you... and have an incredible adventure in the forest.
Quiz nights
Come along to our Forest Quiz every Wednesday and Saturday! Grab a drink, choose your team name and put your knowledge to the test for a chance to win. It’s free and everyone’s welcome - with special rounds for kids! Join us in the Forest Retreat from 5pm.
Good to know...
You can reserve a table for the quiz by booking in for dinner at the Forest Retreat. Pre-order our Forest Quiz specials in my account, or speak to our team while you're here.
Pottery painting
Head to the Forest Retreat and discover your creative side. Choose from a selection of our favourite woodland animals and experiment with spongy foam clay or paint a masterpiece to take away the same day.
Small Bisque - foam or paint | £6.95
Medium Bisque - foam or paint | £10.95
Large Bisque - foam or paint | £13.95
Rainy days
On rainy days, look out for TV messages for any indoor activities we're running. We also have plenty of board games in the Forest Retreat so why not pop in, pick up a game and grab a drink.
Build a Forest Friend
Looking for something to keep little hands busy indoors?
Head to the Forest Retreat, where mini explorers can build their own Forest Friend to join them on their adventures when they’re back outside. You can pre-book yours so they’re ready and waiting for when you arrive.
Local recommendations Argyll
Pubs and restaurants
Traditional dishes, amazing views, or the perfect place to finish off a woodland walk. Take your pick from our top pubs and restaurants close to the forest to get a taste of the local.
Ben Arthur Bothy
Take just a 5-minute drive to Ben Arthur Bothy, which serves traditional
Scottish pub food.
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
It's a 26-minute drive to Cameron House but it's well worth a visit. With
cocktails, cosy sofas and light bites, there's a choice of bars (including a
whisky bar) to relax in, right on the loch's shores.
The Village Inn
The Village Inn is a 7-minute drive for vegan, veggie and gluten free options.
Places to visit
With a National Park and lochs to explore just a short drive away, head out beyond the forest and discover what the area has to offer.
Explore and taste your way through this one-of-a-kind Scottish experience at Glengoyne Distillery. It's a 45-minute drive to enjoy tours and a little tasting.
Take your family on a journey from the shores of Loch Lomond through the zones of the deep blue sea! It's a 59-minute drive to the Aquarium.
Whatever your style, you’ll be sure to find adventure in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a 32-minute drive.
A 30-minute drive away, discover wildlife, breathtaking scenery and a wide range of activities at the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
A 35-minute drive, Helensburgh Beach overlooks the Upper Firth of Clyde, sitting just outside the mouth of Gare Loch.
Drive just 10 minutes to Rest and Be Thankful, a famous beauty spot and viewpoint.
Walking trails
Beinn an Lochain | 5.5km
For more experienced walkers, a short and strenuous trail with rewarding views can be found along the Beinn an Lochain hill walk.
Ben Arthur | 11km
The Cobbler, also known as Ben Arthur sn't a Munro, but a Corbett (2,500—3,000 feet). It’s a challenging but worthwhile climb, with a late scramble to get to the distinctive peak.
Glen Loin and Coiregrograin | 17.5km
Take the Glen Loin and Coiregrograin walk, which offers fine views of the mountain peaks of the Arrochar Alps.
Glenbranter | 3.6km
A 30-minute drive from Ardgartan Argyll, Glenbranter is one of the gems of Argyll Forest Park. To follow the Waterfall Trail, start on the banks of the of the Allt Robuic amidst the remnant of an ancient oak wood. Climb to the waterfalls and feel as if you're stepping away from the world. Rest in the wildlife hide for the chance to see red squirrels, roe deer, buzzards and woodpeckers.
Great Trossachs Path | 48km
The Great Trossachs Path links the West Highland Way with the Rob Roy Way. The section closest to Ardgartan Argyll stretches from the banks of Loch Lomond at Inversnaid to Trossach Pier on Loch Katrine, and offers up waterfalls, mountain view, lochs and wildlife. It’s a full day’s walking – best suited to experienced walkers – and you'll need arrange transport back to your cabin.
Cycling trails
Easy on-location trail | 6.4km
Collect your bikes and set off on a 6.4km loop around the location. Explore your surroundings, enjoy views of Loch Long and uncover plenty of picnic spots along the way.
Glenshellish Route | 11km
Find adventure along two trails at Glenbranter. Our pick is the Glenshellish Route, a ‘gentle taste of the wild’ with rare wildlife and glorious views.
The Old Military Road | 8km
Start by catching the waterbus across Loch Lomond and take in three lochs along the way to Stronachlachar – Lomond, Arklet and Katrine. You can also take in views of Ben Lomond, Ben Venue and the Cobbler.
West Loch Lomond Cycle Path | 28k
For a trail with views of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond take the 27.4km route from Tarbet (near Ardgartan Argyll) down to Balloch, at the southern end of Loch Lomond. This is a trail runs along the banks of Loch Lomond taking in the pretty village of Luss, where you can stop off to try some Scottish Tablet (a favourite local sweet treat). A train station at Balloch will bring you back to Tarbet.
Dog-walking trails
Bring your furry friend on an adventure and explore one of the many forest trails, where acres of woodland and country roads make a great spot for a scamper.
Benderloch - Eagle's Eyrie Viewpoint | 3.9km
Stunning views fill this woodland hike – with plenty of benches for you all to
take a short rest.
Inveraray Castle and Dun na Cuaiche Watchtower | 6.6km
A perfect route for you and your pooch to enjoy beautiful views over Loch
Shira and Loch Fyne, as well as over the surrounding mountains.
Lochgoilhead and Donich Falls | 8km
A picturesque walk between the mountains. Make sure you watch out for
boggy puddles!
Go Ape
Take a trip through the trees, full of adventure! Save 10% on your Go Ape experience when you stay with us, including on Saturdays. Take a trip with the whole tribe, packed full of adventure!
Look out for our emails with offers and activities to book before your stay – they'll include your unique discount code. Aberfoyle is where you'll find your nearest Go Ape, around an hour's drive away (it's also close to our other forest location, Strathyre):
- Go Ape Zip Line Experience
- Go Ape Tree Top Challenge
Activities nearby
Discover local activities and adventures just beyond the forest, and make the most of the unique Scottish landscape.
Wildlife experiences
Meet some of our forest friends up close with incredible experiences near to the forest. Why not try...
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre – meet the birds and watch daily flying shows. You can pre-book these activities with us! Just visit my account or speak to the team at the Forest Retreat when you're here.
Wildlife and trees
Wildlife at Argyll
What can you spot?
Red squirrel
Rare red squirrels are easy to spot with their tufty ears and russet coats. Most prominent in the winter months, the best time to watch them is morning or late afternoon.
Golden eagle
Look up and see golden eagles soaring majestically overhead before suddenly diving to catch their prey. Some golden eagles have a wingspan of up to 2 metres.
Wood sorrel
As you explore the woodland trails, you're likely to come across a charming little plant with three heart shaped leaves that droop and close at night. Its nickname is 'sleeping beauty' but its real name is wood sorrel, a plant known for its white flowers – each with five petals, tiny purple veins and a sharp lemony taste.
Want to learn more about the wildlife here? Book onto a Forest Ranger experience and discover all the secrets of the forest!
Trees at Argyll
Trees you'll find in the forest
Bird Cherry
The almond-scented bird cherry blossom brings nectar-loving animals flocking in springtime. Like wild cherry, the flowers feed birds, bees and lots of other animals, including badgers and mice. Moth caterpillars particularly love the foliage too!
Scots pine
Scots pine is one of only three native conifers, and our only native pine... plus it's Scotland's national tree. You'll spot this all-year round as its needle-like leaves are evergreen. It’s the perfect habitat for iconic Scottish wildlife such as the red squirrel, as well as animals like the pine marten and Scottish wildcat. Scots pines in southern England are also the main caterpillar foodplant for the pine hawk-moth.
Sitka spruce
With needle-like leaves that are sharp, straight and flattened, the Sitka Sprice is much more prickly than the similar Norway spruce. Sitka spruce trees grow close together, forming a dense canopy which few plants can grow beneath. This dense foliage provides cover from the wind and rain for larger mammals, while birds of prey and smaller birds, such as crossbill, tree creeper, coal tit and siskin, can use it for nesting.
Supporting the forest
We’re more than just a holiday
Nestled within inspiring natural spaces, we offer a unique way to experience and enjoy the UK’s forests, helping you experience and reconnect with nature.
We look after the land we love for us all, protecting wildlife and helping to preserve the forest for the future. By putting nature centre-stage, we give you the best of the outdoors. A sense of freedom and a unique experience, where you feel connected to the forest and to each other. Because you don’t just visit the forest, you really feel it.
And once you’ve found that Forest Feeling, you’ll never let it go.
Let's look after what we love
Help to care for the wildlife around you in small, but important ways. You'll find it's as good for you as it is for nature!
Give nature a helping hand by....
- Creating habitat piles using old logs and branches
- Picking up any litter you see – the forest and wildlife will thank you for it
- Turning off the lights when they’re not in use to reduce energy use
- Using the bins provided to separate your waste and recycle properly
