Fearnoch

About Walk Activities Facilities and access Directions Contact Nearby forests

Where we are

Various forest operation works including tree felling and timber haulage are taking place in Fearnoch. Please follow all safety signage.

Ongoing harvesting will prevent through access in two forest road sections which are further into the southern end of the forest. These are no go work zones. Timber lorries will be using most of the forest road network from the main car park through the eastern part of the forest, please stop and give them space to pass safely. Work is expected to end August 2024. See map here.

About

A picnic table next to a broadleaf forest in autumn

A conifer forest with yellow trees with a missy mountain

A moss covered forest floor in a conifer wood

Attractive woodland trails with wonderful views

The woodlands here are alive with wildlife as the trail passes through the towering trees that flourish around the River Luachragan.

Look out for red squirrels leaping through the forest canopy. You will certainly encounter the great, domed nests of the Scottish wood ant amid the trees. Constructed from pine needles, these can tower 1.5 metres (5 feet) high and shelter networks of tunnels and chambers, each one home to up to 100,000 ants. The insects work tirelessly to keep the mounds in order, even ensuring individual needles lie in the right direction.

Walking trails

Fearnoch route card (PDF)

Walking

Ant Hill Trail

Tranquil Fearnoch Forest is home to the protected wood ant - look out for their nests on the single path sections of the trail. Alder trees thrive here too, along the sparkling River Luachragan.

Wide, firm gravel surface throughout. Includes some steep slopes and a wide bridge.

2 ¼ miles / 3.8 km

Allow 1 ½ hours

Activities

Explore further

The trail at Fearnoch is ideal for walking, while the wider network of peaceful forest roads is ideal for exploring by bike or horse.

National Cycle Route

If you want to explore farther afield by bike, National Cycle Route 78 passes Fearnoch.

Facilities and access

Parking (charge)

Picnic area

Viewpoint

Walking

Stay the Night

Public toilets and places to eat, drink and shop can be found in the nearby village of Taynuilt.

Car parking information

The charges to park at this forest car park are:

£1 for up to 1 hour – all vehicles
£3 for all day
Blue Badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

Payment can be made using RingGo.

Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our Forest Search, marked as a 'P' without the £ symbol.

Annual parking pass available:

Available in advance by downloading the application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions (PDF) before applying.

West Coast Car Park Pass - £40 per car and £100 per mini bus/coach

Valid at Braveheart (Glen Nevis), Loch Linnhe, Loch Oich, Aros Park (Mull), North Face, Ariundle, Glencoe Lochan, Glengarry, Glen Righ, Àrd-Àirigh, Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide, Barnluasgan, Sutherland's Grove, Strone Hill, Glen Lochy, Bridge of Orchy, Fearnoch, Carradale (Grianan), Carradale (Port Na Storm), Ardcastle, Achnabreac.

West Coast Pass application form

FLS National Car Park Pass - £100 per car and £150 per mini bus/coach

Valid at all Forestry and Land Scotland car parks except Tentsmuir.

FLS National Pass application form

More about parking

Stay the Night

Stay the Night continues to run through to 31 December 2024. This means self-contained motorhomes and campervans will be able to park overnight for one night in some of our car parks.

There is a £7 charge to Stay the Night at this car park. Payment can be made through RingGo with details of how to do this at each car park.

To help plan your stay, please see the details below:

Height barrier – No
Motorhome capacity of car park – 4
Suitable for large vehicles/caravans – Yes
Parking notes – Use top car park. There is a turning circle. Please leave a 4m gap between other motorhomes.

Please visit our Stay the Night page for full details, participating locations, best practice, and terms and conditions of use.

Stay the night

Getting here

Fearnoch car park is on the south side of the A85, about 2 miles west of Taynuilt.

Using SatNav?

Nearest postcode: PA35 1JB

Public transport

There are regular buses between Tyndrum and Oban that stop at Fearnoch, if specially requested. Speak to your driver when you board. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions