The Herald - The Herald Magazine
The walk Glen Nant
Location: Argyll Map: OS Landranger 50 Distance: 3 miles (5km) Time: 1.5-2 hours Grade: Easy woodland walk GLEN Nant Caledonian Forest Reserve is about two and a half miles south of Taynuilt on the B845 to Kilchrenan, created by Forest Enterprise Scotland with the support of Scottish Natural Heritage. The mixed broadleafed woodland is dominated by oak and birch, ash and hazel, with a rich community of birds, animals and plants. A fine walk has been created through the woods making use of old trails. Glen Nant was the centre of the local charcoal burning industry, and in past times the tracks were used by packhorses laden with the products of the charcoal burners’ hearths on their way to feed the iron furnaces at Bonawe.
Oak bark for leather tanning was also a major product of the woods. The charcoal production and oak bark collection ensured intense woodland management in the past which has contributed largely to the fact the wood has survived so well to this day. The trail through the woods is well signposted and offers a lovely walk and surprise views of Cruachan.
Leave the car park by the obvious track to the left of the information board. The route is waymarked by wooden posts showing the symbol of a wood ant. Climb with the path to the top of the first main rise where you’ll catch a first glimpse of Stob Dearg and the narrow ridge running east to Cruachan. Once the path begins to descend, cross a burn and ahead lies a signpost which explains the workings of the forestry industry.
A little further on a sign points out the Glen Nant Trail to the right. Ignore this and continue on the main forestry road. The path continues to rise, with dense conifers on the left and natural birch woodland on the right. Pass an old quarry on the left and as you climb you approach the broad crest of the hill between Glen Nant and Glen Lonan.
At the top of a gentle uphill stretch the track begins to swing left, just past a waymarker post. Beyond this post there is a yellow painted marker post on the left and directly opposite this a narrow footpath drops into the woodland towards another waymarker post. Follow this footpath as it descends through the rowan and birch. Reach a wooden fence and a footbridge over a stream. Follow the path as it undulates through birch, rowan, oak and hazel.
Have a look at the mock-up of a charcoal burner’s fire, covered with turfs to ensure the wood burned slowly. Pass a holly bush and continue on the descending path into the gorge of a small burn and then to the confluence of two streams. Cross the footbridge and, ignoring the signs which indicate the short trail, turn left and climb a high bank, a fairly stiff climb which takes you close to the top of a birch-covered hillock.
Leave the summit in the direction of Cruachan and you’ll find a waymarker which indicates the descent. Drop down for some distance, cross a stream by another wooden footbridge and pass another information board with details of the life of the wood ant.
A short distance further on another board offers information on coppicing. At the end of another descent the footpath merges with the forest road used earlier. Follow this road back to the car park. CAMERON MCNEISH Route: Start and finish at the Forestry Commission car park south of Taynuilt on the B845 (GR: NN019273). Leave the car park by the track to the left of the information board. Climb the path steadily and once it begins to descend cross a stream. Continue until you see a sign that points out the Glen Nant Trail to the right. Ignore this and continue on the main forestry road. The path continues to rise, past some quarry workings on the left and as you climb you approach the broad crest of the hill. At the top of a gentle uphill stretch the track swings left just past a waymarker post. Just beyond this post there is a yellow painted marker post on the left and, directly opposite, a narrow footpath drops into the woodland towards another waymarker post. Descend through the trees to reach a footbridge over a stream. Follow the path, pass a holly bush and continue down into the gorge of a small burn and then to the confluence of two streams. Cross the bridge and turn left up a high bank. Leave the summit in the direction of Cruachan, and you’ll find a waymarker which indicates the descent. Soon the footpath merges with the forest road used earlier. Follow it back to the car park.