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Corlarach

Where we are

Latest forest information

Open water

  • This destination contains areas of open water which can be hazardous if you are not suitably prepared. Follow our water safety advice and take care.

About

Hillside views over Dunoon and across the Firth of Clyde

Look down over Dunoon, the capital of Cowal, from this network of hillside paths. There are unforgettable, panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde coast. Remains of old farms survive among the trees that provide shelter for abundant wildlife.

Walking trails

Corlarach route card (PDF)

Walking

Berry Burn Trail

Meander up through the young conifers for great views over Dunoon and the Clyde.

Uneven gravel and earth paths, with some narrow and muddy sections. Includes some long fairly steep slopes and two openings 1.1m wide.

Strenuous trail grade icon grade icon
2 miles / 3.3 km

Allow 1 ½ hours

Walking

Kilbride Hill Trail

Climb to the top of the forest for superb panoramic views across Cowal and the Firth of Clyde.

Long steep slopes for up to half a mile. Uneven gravel paths, with earthy and rocky sections.

Strenuous trail grade icon grade icon
2 ¾ miles / 4.5 km

Allow 2 hours

Cycling trails

Cycling

Corlarach Loop

Feel the excitement of exploring a forest by bike – you never know what wildlife you might encounter around the next corner!

There's a steep single-track section above Toward Farm, but generally the cycle trail follows undulating forest roads. Horse riders will need to cross a small ford in order to avoid a wooden footbridge.

12 ½ miles / 20.0 km

Allow 3 hours

More information

Corlarach forest can look impenetrable from below, but from the inside it’s a vibrant, interesting place, teeming with life. The first larch and spruce trees were planted here in 1948 and are now mature giants. Buzzards, kestrels and tawny owls hunt around them – listen out for their eerie cries as you ride.

Activities

Cycling and horse riding

The Corlarach Loop is a long trail suitable for bikes and horses. It offers great views down the Firth of Clyde when it passes our other local woodland at Ardyne.

Facilities and access

Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Cycling
Cycling
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking

The nearest public toilets are back down the hill in Dunoon.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

Getting here

The turning for the car park at Corlarach is on the west side of Kilbride Road in Dunoon, just south of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Using SatNav?

PA23 7LN is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

There are lots of public transport options to Dunoon, although the forest entrance is a 1¼ mile walk uphill from the Pier Esplanade. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6600 (option 2)
More contact information

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Drooping conifer branch

Hillside arboretum with over 150 tree species

Facilities and activities
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Parking
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Picnic area
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Distance from 'Kilmun Arboretum': 3.54 miles
Drooping conifer branch

A deep, woodland gorge with cascading waterfalls

Facilities and activities
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Distance from 'Puck's Glen': 4.7 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Cycling
Cycling
Parking
Parking
Distance from 'Ardyne': 5.59 miles