Loch and Forest is our newest trail, offering a 6 night 5 day
bed and breakfast package. The trail explores the numerous Lochs in The forest
of Knapdale, with interesting and varied riding off track and over deserted
forestry roads.
The
Loch and Forest is our newest trail, offering a 6 night 5 day
bed and breakfast package. The trail explores the numerous Lochs in The forest
of Knapdale, with interesting and varied riding off track and over deserted
forestry roads.
Many archaeological and historical sites can be found in this
part of Argyll and the Loch & Forest trail visits several Iron-age sites and
Highland Clearance villages.
Stunning views of the West Highland coast and the Inner
Hebridean islands of Jura , Scarba and Islay make part of
the tour,
while the exploration of new paths and tracks in the Knapdale and Galashen
forests gives it a sense of adventure!
The Loch and Forest Trail starts at the riding centre at Brenfield Farm and takes you in a 5 day 100 Km circle through forests, around the lochs of Knapdale, through a national nature reserve, then down the west coast overlooking the Sound of Jura, followed by two days exploring the extensive Galashan Forest and finally back through the town of Lochgilphead to Brenfield, and the end of the ride.
The ride is designed for everyone, from the intermediate rider who is able to trot and has done some cantering, and would like to extend their riding to longer trails, to the more experienced rider who wants to explore Scotland, but would like to do it from horseback.
The trail is taken at the best pace to suit the riders and it
is possible to miss days should you so wish.
Accommodation is in the very comfortable family run hotel
Allt-Na-Craig, located near the riding centre, in the village of Ardrishaig. The
hotel has an excellent dinner menu, but if you wish, the village has a number of
pubs and restaurants where dinner is available. You stay 6 nights at the hotel
so do not have the inconvenience of packing and moving luggage each morning.
Typical schedule of the Loch and Forest ride. ( By its nature this ride is flexible and can be tailored to suit the riders.)
Day 1: Sunday. We pick up guests at Glasgow International
Airport around 12:00 noon and take them to their hotel, Allt-Na-Craig , an
elegant Victorian mansion with breathtaking views of Loch Fyne, which is to be
their home for the next 6 days. The journey from Glasgow takes them deep into
the Western Highlands of Argyll, along the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond and
over the 'Rest and be Thankful', the high mountain pass into Argyll, then along
the shores of the beautiful sea loch, Loch Fyne.
After settling into their hotel, the guests will meet their
guides and discuss the week ahead.
If you bring your own transport, there is plenty of safe
parking at the hotel. You should aim to arrive late afternoon or early evening,
and of course are welcome to come up to Brenfield farm for a look around.
Day 2: Monday. After a leisurely breakfast , riders are
collected from the hotel and taken to Brenfield , where their riding skills are
matched with a suitable horse. The horses, faithful friends for the week, are
all specially chosen for their good nature and stamina, and know how to look
after their rider.
We ride from the centre into the hills above Ardrishaig, taking forest
tracks around the hill of Cruach Brenfield and making our way to the Kilduskland
Loch, where we have a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, we ride towards
Cairnbaan, visiting the ancient settlement of Craigglas, before riding along the
Crinan Canal to the end of the first days ride.
Day 3: Tuesday. Starting where we finished the previous evening, we make our way into the extensive Knapdale forest. We explore the tracks around the numerous lochs, enjoying the stunning views down Loch Sween and over towards the island of Jura. An ancient drover's road leads us towards a sheltered picnic spot with space for the horses to relax and the riders to enjoy their lunch. In the afternoon we make our way over grassy tracks (suitable for a canter or two) and finally end up at Gartnagrennoch with its highland clearance village and chambered cairn.
Day 4: Wednesday. We start by heading South towards Loch Sween past the ruins of the village of Kilmory Obb with its unique Celtic cross. Then into the hills, and up to the headland above Ardnoe Point with magnificent views of the Hebridian islands and across the bay to 12th Cent Duntrune Castle, and the Broch at Ardifur. After a picnic lunch, we head south, passing an iron-age 'vitrified' fort and then onto the beautiful natural harbour at Tayvallich. At the end of the day horses and riders are met and taken back to their field or hotel.
Day 5: Thursday. Today we start our exploration
of the eastern forests of Glashan, starting by riding high into the hills above
Kilmichael Glen then into the forest of Moine Ghlas and Loch
Galashan.
After a picnic lunch there is a chance to see a fish ladder, and if
you are lucky , watch salmon leaping the steps, making their way higher up the
burn. As we near the end of the day, there are stunning views down Loch Fyne and
over Loch Gair.
Day 6: Friday. Riding by the southern end of Loch Galashan,
we leave the forestry track and head out across country on disused drove roads ,
making our way above the town of Lochgilphead high into the Kilmory Forest.
At this point there is a panoramic view of Mid Argyll, with the islands to the north and Loch Fyne down to Arran in the south. After a picnic lunch , we ride out of the hills down towards Loch Fyne. We arouse alot of interest and photographs from the tourists as we ride through the streets of Lochgilphead, over the Crinan Canal and then up and over the ridge of hills finally arriving for a cup of tea at Brenfield Farm.
Day 7: Saturday.
Transport is available for anyone
wanting to get to Glasgow Airport, arriving at around 12:00 noon. We all hope
that you will have enjoyed your ride with us and will want to try the other two
long distance trail rides, we offer at Argyll Trail Riding.
If you have a group of 5 or more riders, we would be pleased to consider running a private Loch & Forest trail for your party.