How to get to Glenbranter

Glenbranter is a Forestry and Land Scotland site in Argyll Forest on the Cowal Peninsula. It can be found close to the A815, between Strachur and the start of Loch Eck.

The visitor centre has toilets, information boards, parking and picnic tables, and parking is free. This destination is another of the excellent locations in Argyll Forest, with good walking/cycling trails and wildlife-hide in the beautiful forest.

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Lauder Memorial

Entertainer Harry Lauder leased the ground to the Forestry Commission in the 1920s, with Glenbranter village built for those working on the forests.

The Harry Lauder story is fascinating, the first UK artist to sell a million records and a favourite of Sir Winston Churchill, he was the highest-paid performer in the world by 1911.

The Lauder story was to suffer sadness five years later when son John died in France during the First World War. Harry built a memorial for his son at Glenbranter, which can be visited. Please read our guide to the Lauder Memorial to find out more.

Walking Trails

There are three trails from the car park and visitor centre. The red marked Broadleaves Trail(1mile) takes you through woodlands and an avenue of cypress and beech.

The yellow marked Waterfall Trail (2.5miles) has some steep slopes, bridges and occasional muddy sections. There are a few waterfalls to enjoy along this very enjoyable route.

Finally, the Glen Eck Trail (2miles), which has long, steep slopes, is currently closed due to storm damage.

Cycling Loops

There are two cycle trails, Glenshellish Loop (6.5miles) and Loch Eck Loop (21.5miles), the latter being quite demanding, but with some fantastic views of Cowal.

Wildlife Hide

Glenbranter has a wildlife hide (pictured below), where you can get lucky and see red squirrels. Inside the hide, there is food to stock up the feeders.

Argyll Forest

There is so much to see and do at Argyll Forest, with Puck's Glen, The Lauder Memorial, Benmore Botanic Garden, Glenbranter, Kilmun Arboretum and Loch Eck.