Cormonachan Community Woodlands between Lochgoilhead and Carrick Castle by Loch Goil, Argyll, are being protected for education, recreation and conservation. The area comprises 58.9 ha of ancient Atlantic oak and hazel woodlands, termed ancient semi natural woodlands, which were first recorded on Roy’s Map of 1747.
Over the last 20 years, more than 100 volunteers have created 2.5 kms of circular paths, a car park, red squirrel hide, contemplation shelter, outdoor sculptures and a resource centre – Jan’s Hideaway – for outdoor education for primary school children visiting the Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre. More than 1,000 children a year benefit from learning about the outdoors there. Future plans include ex- tending the paths by another 2kms and opening up the southern end of the woodlands at Upper Cormonachan with access to the forest road, the old village and the waterfalls with another car park.
The paths would have five bridges and four viewpoints overlooking the beautiful waterfalls and great views over Loch Goil. The community woodlands are maintained by Cormonachan Woodlands Association’s (CWA) volunteer members.