Forest bathing at Barnluasgan, Knapdale Forest

Barnluasgan is a Forestry and Land Scotland site in Knapdale Forest, between Crinan and Tayvallich. The Oakwood Trail passes through ancient Atlantic oakwoods between Loch Barnluasgan and Loch Linne, with other native broadleaves among the oaks and views out over Knapdale. The lochs are home to beavers, and at dawn or dusk you may see them swimming. Water, old trees and long quiet stretches make this a good place to take your time.

Start at the car park by the Achnamara road, where there is an unstaffed information centre. The Wildlife Trail is the easy choice: wide, firm gravel, mostly flat, with a short side path to a wildlife hide. The Oakwood Trail is rougher, with narrow rocky sections and long flights of rough steps, and the Loch Coille-Bharr Trail is longer again, with roots and muddy patches. The Argyll Beaver Centre by the loch runs guided walks in season. The nearest toilets and cafés are in Tayvallich or Crinan.