Barnaline Oakwoods and Avich Falls, near Dalavich

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Dalavich has some fine remnant oakwoods overlooking Loch Awe. There are two waymarked trails here; our route describes both, taking in the old oakwoods first before returning to the start and heading off to visit the Avich Falls.

Terrain

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

Public Transport

Start

Barnaline Forest car park, by Dalavich. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the Barnaline car park. Heading for the Oakwood Trail first, take the path waymarked in red that heads past the trees, becoming a slightly elevated track. This area was once planted with exotic Sitka spruces but these have been removed to allow expansion of the native oaks. Ignore 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 stable 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 one point a branch to a viewpoint on the right gives glimpses down to Loch Awe. 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 eventually 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 stable 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 - follow the blue waymarkers. Begin by heading uphill on the track beyond the metal gate. Soon after passing the fenced enclosure on the left and before the bend, take a path on the right which heads uphill through the trees.

Stage 6

The woodland here is a mix of mainly oak and birch with some pines, in springtime there are many flowering primroses. To the right there are glimpses of some of the series of waterfalls beyond the wooden barriers but better views are found later on the trail.

Stage 7

The route soon reaches the bottom of one of the series of waterfalls formed as the River Avich cascades down a mile from Loch Avich to Loch Awe. Continue to a footbridge and climb up to a forest track where you turn right to walk between tall conifers. Turn right to head downhill at the road and then right again at the road junction. Soon the road bends left to cross the River Avich and after passing the cottages the car park entrance is very soon on the left.

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