Knapdale
Low wooded ridges, quiet sea lochs and oak woods where beavers were brought back to Scotland
Knapdale is gentler than much of the west coast, a low country of parallel wooded ridges and long sea lochs running down towards the Sound of Jura. The scenic area covers 328 square kilometres of oak woodland, bog and water, and it was here that beavers were reintroduced to Scotland, back on the land after centuries away.
The Crinan Canal has an easy, level towpath walk along the northern edge, while Taynish protects one of Britain’s larger surviving oak woods with waymarked trails through it. Nearby, the raised bog of Moine Mhor lies below the old rock fort of Dunadd, a short but steep little climb with a wide view from the top.
This is walkable, welcoming ground for the most part, though the woods and bog stay wet underfoot and the midges are keen on a still summer evening. Cover up, pick a breezy day if you can, and take your time.
