Knapdale
The visitor guide on Knapdale in Argyll gives you information about the place, things to do and see and accommodation and hotels in Knapdale.
Running south from the Crinan Canal down to Kintyre is Knapdale, a forested, hilly area that gets its name from its Gaelic description, cnap (hill) and dall (field). It's an area worth exploring, for there are many walking trails and superb views from the west coast across to the Paps of Jura.
Phone code: +44 (0)1880
Trails
Immediately south of the canal is Knapdale Forest, which stretches from coast to coast over hills dotted with tiny lochs. The Forestry Commission has marked out several lovely trails. Three fairly easy circular trails start from the B8025 which runs south from Bellanoch, just east of Crinan. One trail sets out from the car park at the Barnluasgan Interpretation Centre and runs up to a point beyond Loch Barnluasgan, with great views over the forest and the many lochs. It's a mile in total.
A second trail, also a mile long, starts from a car park a little further along the B8025 and heads through the forest to the deserted township of Arichonan. The third trail starts out from the car park between the starting points for the first and second trails. It runs right around Loch Coille-Bharr and is three miles long. A more strenuous walk starts from a car park about 100 yds into the forest, off the B841, about half a mile west of Cairnbaan, and climbs up to the peak of Dunardy (702 ft).
Region
ArgyllLocal Sights & Activities for Knapdale
At the Barnluasgan Interpretation Centre a little side road turns south down the eastern shore of beautiful Loch Sween, past the village of Achnamara, to the 12th century Castle Sween. First impressions of the castle, situated on the shores of the lovely loch with the forested hills all around, are tainted by the sprawling caravan park nearby. Unfortunately, the caravans were not there when Robert the Bruce attacked the castle, otherwise he might have done us all a favour by razing them.
Three miles south is the ruined 13th-century Kilmory Knap Chapel. A new glass roof protects the carved stones inside. The most notable of these is the 8-ft high, 15th-century MacMillan's Cross, which shows the Crucifixion on one side and a hunting scene on the other.
Knapdale Hotels & Accommodation
The best place to stay in Knapdale is the highly recommended Kilberry Inn, Tel. 01880-770223, , west of Tarbert on the B8024. 3 rooms, open Easter-Oct, it offers superb food and perfect peace.