Cormonachan Woodlands

Where Are Cormonachan Woodlands?

One of my favourite places in the Argyll Forest part of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is Cormonachan Woodlands, on the west side of Loch Goil.

 

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What is Cormonachan Woodlands?

Cormonachan Woodlands is a not-for-profit organisation that manages the woodlands for its owners, Forestry & Land Scotland. Stretching along the banks of Loch Goil, the woods are looked after by local volunteers.

Recently they have greatly enhanced the visitor experience, installing new hides to view squirrels whilst extending and improving pathways and tracks.

A walk around Cormonachan Woodlands provides many excellent views over Loch Goil. There are also interruptive panels, artwork and other items of interest along the enjoyable trails.

Cormonachan Woodlands Photography

Here are some photographs taken along the trails so you can see what to expect on a woodland walk.

best time to visit Cormonachan Woodlands

Seasonal highlights include spring, when there is a blanket of bluebells, with winter a good time, when Cormonachan Waterfall is often at its most dramatic.

Contemplation Shelter 

Liz Evans, who was a driving force in the conservation and enhancement of Cormonachan Woods, died in 2017. On June 6th 2018, a Contemplation Shelter was opened in fond memory of Liz. The £7,000 needed to build the shelter had been quickly donated by friends and family.

The shelter was erected on Liz’s favourite part of the walk. A spot with beautiful views over Loch Goil, equally striking, is the spontaneous tributes written by some of Liz’s many friends; these are engraved on the ceiling of the shelter.

Red Squirrels in Cowal 

Cowal has a Red Squirrel Group, a charity dedicated to saving and growing a healthy population of red squirrels in Cowal. There are estimated to be 121,000 red squirrels in Scotland, contrasting with the 2.5 million greys. 

Red Squirrels are vulnerable to Squirrel pox, a disease carried by grey squirrels but don’t affect them; it will kill a red squirrel, though. With their higher numbers, Greys have managed to displace the reds by dominating most of the foods shared by both species.

Other locations in Cowal for seeing red squirrels are Glenbranter (Wildlife Hide), Ardentinny, Benmore Botanic Garden, Bishop’s Glen, Kilmun Arboretum, Glenbranter, Toward Castle and Tighnabruaich. 

Cormonachan Woods are doing an excellent job. Food is left for the squirrels at points within view of the hides, and this is a perfect place to see these beautiful animals. 

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Carrick Castle 

Just 2 miles further along the single track road is the wonderful community of Carrick Castle. Read more about it in our guide (liked below). You could drive along to Carrick Castle or follow the signed path from Cormonachan Woodlands.

Cowal and Scottish Squirrel Preservation 

Follow the links to find out more about Cormonachan Community Woodland, Cowal Red Squirrel Group and Saving Scottish Squirrels. 

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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