Scotland's Lochs and Forests Inn-to-Inn Trail
2008 Itinerary
The Loch and Forest 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 and 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 65 mile 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, to end 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. Your 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.
Day 1: Sunday. Pick up at Glasgow International Airport around 12:00 noon to be driven to your hotel, Allt-Na-Craig, an elegant Victorian mansion with breathtaking views of Loch Fyne, which is to be your home for the next six days. The journey from Glasgow takes you 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 your hotel, riders will meet your 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 everyone’s 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.
You ride from the centre into the hills above Ardrishaig, taking forest tracks around the hill of Cruach Brenfield and making your way to the Kilduskland Loch, where you enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, the group rides 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 you finished the previous evening, you make your way into the extensive Knapdale forest. You 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 you towards a sheltered picnic spot with space for the horses to relax and the riders to enjoy their lunch. In the afternoon you makey 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. You start by heading south towards Loch Sween past the ruins of the Village of Kilmory Obb with its unique Celtic cross. Then you head into the hills, and up to the headland above Ardnoe Point with magnificent views of the Hebridian Islands and across the bay to 12th Century Duntrune Castle and the Broch at Ardifur. After a picnic lunch, you head south, passing an iron-age 'vitrified' fort and then onto the beautiful natural harbor 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 you start your 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 you 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, riders leave the forestry track and head out across country on disused drove roads, making your 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, you ride out of the hills down towards Loch Fyne. The group arouses a lot of interest and photographs from the tourists as you 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 noon.
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