Dalavich Oakwoods and Avich Falls, near Dalavich

Summary

Dalavich has some beautiful remnant oakwoods overlooking Loch Awe. This route takes in the waymarked trail up and around the old oakwoods before returning to Barnaline to make a second loop that visits the fine Avich Falls - a great spot especially for wild-swimmers.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Narrow woodland paths, steep in places, forest track and minor road.

Getting there

Start

Barnaline Forest car park, by Dalavich.

Public Transport

Infrequent bus service from Oban.

Start Grid Ref

NM969139

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.3km / 3.25 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 140m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Park at the Barnaline Forestry and Land Scotland car park. Heading for the Oakwood Trail first, take the path waymarked in red on the left as you leave the car park, This heads past the trees, becoming a slightly elevated path. This area was once planted with sitka spruces but these have been removed to allow expansion of the native oaks. Further on, tgnore a path coming in from the left and continue along the trail, heading between two gateposts.

Stage 2

Once through the gate turn right along the track. This ascends through the beautiful woods to reach a large white barn building. Follow the grassy path to the right of this, passing an old ruined house.

Stage 3

The path now begins climbing through the trees. At the top of the climb a junction is reached by another ruin and a seat. Go left here, following the waymarkers.

Stage 4

The path levels off and further on crosses a footbridge over a burn. It then curves left to run atop the bank high above the burn, passing a bench and a view of a small waterfall. Eventually a second footbridge is crossed and the path remerges back at the white building. From this point retrace your steps, turning right along the track and then left on the path between the two posts to return to the car park.

Stage 5

For the second part of the walk - to Avich Falls - turn left along the track through the gate. Ignore the grassy track off right, and take the left fork uphill. Soon after passing the fenced enclosure on the left and as the track bends left, tturn right onto a rougher track. This soon leads through a gate.

Stage 6

The woodland here is a mix of mainly oak and birch with some pines, in springtime there are many flowering primroses. At one point a detour off to the right offers glimpses of some of the series of waterfalls beyond the wooden barriers but much better views are found later on the trail. Continue to the hydro intake and take the path past this on the left.

Stage 7

The path descends to reach a footbridge and then climbs up to a forest track where you turn right. After 350m downhill on this track a signed path on the right offers a short detour to visit the beautiful Avich Falls, where there is a picnic table. The pool here is popular with wild-swummers. Return to the track, turn right to continue the descent and then right again at the road junction. Soon the road bends right to cross the River Avich and after passing the cottages the car park entrance is very soon on the right.

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