Five ‘accessible’ woodlands in Scotland’s rainforest
For those with mobility issues, a well-surfaced trail makes a difference. Credit Andy Robinson
When you have mobility issues, enjoying a visit to Scotland’s rainforest can be a bit a of a challenge, as ASR Communications Manager, Jenny Tweedie, explains.
Scotland’s rainforest is an amazing place to visit at any time of the year. But for anyone with mobility or balance issues, or simply a preference for gentler terrain, visiting these woodlands can feel like a challenge. Paths are often steep and uneven, and many sites are in remote, and sometimes hard-to access locations.
As someone who lives with mobility issues, I know these concerns well. Urban walking is easy: pavements are smooth, steps are predictable, and handrails are where you expect them. The rainforest is a very different story: slippery slopes, tall steps, rocky paths and thick ground cover, all of which can turn a simple walk into an obstacle course.
Fortunately, for those of us who struggle with a scramble, there are rainforest sites where you can go for a gentler wander, and experience the wonder of lichens and liverworts without having to go off the beaten track.
What I look for in an accessible rainforest site
There’s no single definition of accessible, as everyone has different needs and limitations. And of course rainforest woodlands are all unique, wild, natural places with the infrastructure to match. But my very personal tick list for a good accessible rainforest site is:
A car park or public transport option close to the woodland.
At least one reasonably flat trail (circular is best!)
A chance to enjoy all those lichens, mosses and trees from or close to the path.
With that in mind, below are five rainforest sites that offer these options, plus some links for more details. It’s recommended that you check information before you visit to make sure a place suits your individual needs, and to keep up to date with changes, closures or restrictions.
Ariundle is a beautiful wood to visit. Credit Lorne Gill
Five ‘accessible’ rainforest sites in Scotland
Ariundle National Nature Reserve
Good for: gentle woodland walking, close-up rainforest lichens, easy access from the car park
Location: near Strontian, Ardnamurchan
Ariundle is often described as one of the most accessible rainforest woodlands in Scotland.
Getting to Strontian from Glasgow is just over three hours by car and ferry, though it’s a stunning journey. Once you’ve arrived, it’s another short drive to the Ariundle car park, but from there, the woodland is easy to access. The car park leads straight onto a well-maintained trail that takes you through Forestry and Land Scotland woodland and then into the NatureScot reserve.
You can explore circular nature trails, but these do go off into more uneven ground. But the main track alone gives you a brilliant experience of the oakwoods, plus plenty of rainforest lichens and liverworts right beside the path. The route isn’t circular, but it’s long enough for a satisfying wander and you get to enjoy the woodland again on the way back.
Inversnaid’s woodland is on a steep slope, but the WHW runs along the loch shore. Credit Jenny Tweedie
Inversnaid
Good for: easy bit of West Highland Way, lochside rainforest, public transport options
Location: eastern shore of Loch Lomond
Inversnaid is about a 1.5-hour drive from Glasgow, but much of that is on a B-road through dramatic countryside, so it feels pretty remote. It’s therefore a bit of a shock when you arrive to find a huge Victorian hotel, and (depending on the time of year) lots of muddy backpackers. That’s because Inversnaid is on the West Highland Way, which means you can get there on foot from Milngavie. Or there’s a third transport option, as a 30-minute seasonal water bus runs from Tarbet.
From the car park, there’s a short, flat walk into the RSPB reserve with lovely loch views and classic rainforest oakwoods around you. At the boundary of the reserve, the trail turns uphill with some steep steps, but you can continue on the lochside path a bit further, before the WHW gets into rougher terrain.
NB – there’s a second car park for RSPB Inversnaid before you reach the hotel, where you’ll find a small visitor hub, toilets, and access to more rugged moorland trails.
You might be lucky enough to spot a beaver at Barnluasgan. Credit Argyll Wildlife Organisation
Barnluasgan
Good for: all-abilities trail, beavers, hazelwoods
Location: near Lochgilphead, Argyll
If you want rainforest scenery and the chance to spot beavers, the Forestry and Land Scotland site at Barnluasgan is a great place to visit. It’s about two hours from Glasgow and deep in the rainforest zone, surrounded by other woodland sites to visit.
For such a remote place, it’s nice to find an all-abilities trail, which is a one-mile circular route around the loch. It’s well-surfaced, mostly flat, and if you’re lucky, you might spot beaver signs along the water’s edge, or even the elusive animals themselves. Even if you don’t, the hazel trees beside the path are dripping with lichens and bryophytes, giving you a real rainforest feel without needing to leave the trail.
Arkaig is a wild and beautiful forest, but there are trails here. Credit John MacPherson
Loch Arkaig Pine Forest
Good for: northern rainforest, osprey viewing, long but relatively flat trail
Location: north of Fort William, near Spean Bridge
Loch Arkaig Pine Forest is the most northerly rainforest site on this list, and as you might expect, that makes it wild, atmospheric and full of wildlife.
The Woodland Trust has created a Treasure Trail along the south shore of the loch, which they’ve graded as “strenuous” because it’s long. But the first section from the car park is relatively flat and manageable if you don’t want to tackle the full route. Even a short wander will give you a taste of the broadleaved woodland with its wonderful lichens and mosses that merges with Caledonian pinewood further down the track. From spring to autumn, there’s a good chance to spot ospreys, which can also be watched online via webcam.
Glasdrum woodland at dawn. Credit John MacPherson
Glen Nant National Nature Reserve
Good for: short accessible loop, ancient oakwoods, easy access straight from the car park
Location: between Taynuilt and Kilchrenan
Glen Nant is just over two hours from Glasgow, but the car park sits right on the edge of the rainforest, so there’s no long walk in once you’re there: you step out of the car and straight into the oakwoods.
Forestry and Land Scotland has created two waymarked trails here, and while the longer one (the Coalers Trail) is challenging, the Riverbank Trail should be a more accessible option. It’s a low-level loop through the oakwoods that’s mostly firm underfoot, though apparently it can be muddy after rain. The gradients are mild but it isn’t very long, so it’s more of a wander than a hike.
However, if that’s not enough of a trek, you’re only 40 minutes’ drive from Glasdrum Wood, another rainforest site where (depending on the time of year) you have the chance of seeing up to 20 species of butterflies! There’s a woodland trail here that’s well surfaced, but apparently steep in places.
Visit the NatureScot website here.
More information for accessible routes
There are dozens of rainforest sites that you can visit up and down the west of Scotland. If you’re travelling in the area, and want to know more, you’ll find links leading to more information on many of them through our website here: https://savingscotlandsrainforest.org.uk/map.
Before visiting, it’s always advisable to check with individual organisation websites for more information about trails and other facilities.
You’ll find lots more about accessibility in Scotland’s countryside here:
https://walkingscotland.org.uk/
Please enjoy Scotland’s countryside in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/
