Taynish National Nature Reserve

NatureScot manages this wonderful Atlantic oak woodland as a peaceful place to explore and enjoy. The oak woods of Taynish lie at the far end of the Knapdale pennninsula. Here you will find a mosaic of woodlands, grassland, heath, salt marsh and shoreline, providing a home for a whole host of wildlife.  Follow a choice of trails through oak forest, along the shore or take the path to the top of Barr Mor for panoramic views.

Admire the springtime carpet of wildflowers or catch a glimpse of a shy roe deer prancing through the woods. In summer, the woodland edge gives visitors a good chance of seeing the delicate dance of the rare marsh fritillary or the metallic flash of a passing dragonfly. Through the autumn, the woodland comes alive in a riot of colour, with the vibrant hues of russets, reds and ochres of oak, birch, willow and alder. The bracken and ferns add muted hues of brown and gold to create a stunning visual feast. Winter turns the woodlands a frosted pale green, dotted with the bright red of the holly berries. Look out for whooper swans and great northern divers which can be found here in winter.

Otters also live on the reserve, building their holts (resting palces) in banks among the trees and you can sometimes see them around the coastline, fishing and tumbling with great skill.

There is a small car park, which can accommodate ten cars, and cycle rack at the south end of the reserve track. There are no toilet facilities on site but toilets can be found in the car park in Tayvallich village.