Ballachuan Hazelwood

Important notice

Please note that direction signs and the access track leading to the reserve have been generously provided by the local landowner. Please adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and act responsibly while crossing onto the reserve.

Ballachuan Hazelwood cloaks a low ridge overlooking Cuan Sound and supports a large number of lichen, bryophytes and fungi. The wetland area provides a rich habitat for butterflies, and deer and pine marten roam the woodland.

Why visit?

Highlights include:

Atlantic hazel woodland
Abundance of lichens
Colourful butterflies
Chance to spot otters

Best time to visit?

Sep – Apr for lichens
May – Jul for butterflies
Sep – Nov for fungi

Visit for:

birdwatching
woodlands
wildflowers
coasts
scenery
mammals
wetland
butterflies

Other information

A rough track with stiles leads through the reserve.

How to get there

Directions

The reserve lies at the south eastern tip of Seil Island. From Oban, take the A816 south. After approximately 13 kilometres (km) turn onto the B844 towards Seil Island. Once on the island, continue on the B844 to Balvicar. At Balvicar take the B8003. After approximately 1.4 km there is a layby on the left (opposite Kilbrandon church).Vehicles can be parked in the layby. Pedestrian only access to the reserve is down the private road which starts at the layby. Approximately 620 metres down the private road signage directs visitors onto the reserve. Please note that there is no vehicle access to the reserve and visitors are asked not to drive down the private road (which leads to Kilbrandon House).

Getting onto the reserve

The reserve can be accessed by foot down the private road to Kilbrandon House (Port Mor), which starts opposite Kilbrandon Church. Signage then directs visitors onto the reserve.

Access restrictions

The reserve is a wild and wet place. Access around the reserve is by rough track which can become extremely wet in places. Visitors are advised to wear stout footwear or wellington boots. Please keep dogs on a lead at all times as cattle are present on the reserve at various times throughout the year.

As with most wild places in Argyll, sheep ticks are abundant- please be tick aware.

Ballachuan Hazelwood