Visit Knapdale

Click here to download the new Scottish Beaver Trial leaflet

Read an independent review of the Scottish Beaver Trial at Knapdale from a visitor's perspective. For the latest sightings and updates please read the official Scottish Beaver blog

Our first beavers were released into Knapdale Forest in May 2009 and have settled into their new surroundings. Two families at the Dubh Loch and Loch Linne are the ones most seen by visitors and have had the most impact on the surrounding landscape. The best time to see them swimming around tends to be in the early morning and evening.

There are limited parking facilities around the Trial site. We strongly recommend you make use of the car parks at Barnluasgan or Coille Bharr and explore the site on foot from there. Here you will find a visitor interpretation hide where information can be found on the Trial, latest sightings and guidance on making the most of your visit to Knapdale. Please do not leave your vehicle in undesignated fields or lay-bys.

The walks, picnic sites and cycle routes within Knapdale are situated close together and are designed to allow access to a variety of habitats and to provide interest and enjoyment to all those who use them. 

More information on the site can be found on the Forestry Commission Scotland's website. Information on things to do in the local area can be found at www.heartofargyll.com/activities/ 

Where is Knapdale?

click the map to download it as a pdf

Grid reference: OS sheet 55 NR766884

(see Google Maps/Barnluasgan, memorial)

Nearest town: Lochgilphead
From A816 one mile north of Loghgilphead. Follow B841 towards Crinan, turn left at Bellanoch onto the B8025 towards Tayvallich taking you into the heart of Knapdale

Knapdale Forest is situated in a National Scenic Area and is flanked to the north by the Crinan Canal and to the west by the Sound of Jura and Loch Sween. The name is derived from the Gaelic description of its striking topographical features; Cnap (hill) and Dall (field).