
Beinn Lora and the Eagle's Eyrie from Benderloch
Argyll and Bute
Beinn Lora is a small hill rising straight from the shore at Benderloch, north of Oban, and its 308 metre summit gives one of the best views in north Argyll for the effort. Dogs can range fairly freely through the forest below the kissing gate, though a lead is sensible on the open hill beyond it, where the ground is very boggy. This 6km route follows Forestry and Land Scotland's waymarked paths from the car park in the village, climbing steeply through woodland beside a burn with a small waterfall, then along the edge of replanted forest to a kissing gate on the open hill. Beyond it the path is rougher and crosses a very boggy dip before the final grassy climb to the trig point, where the islands of Kerrera, Lismore and Mull line up to the west and Loch Etive leads the eye east to the Ben Cruachan range. On the way down, a detour visits the Eagle's Eyrie viewpoint above Benderloch. There is about 368 metres of climbing.
This dog friendly walk packs a lot in. Within the forest there is moderate off-lead potential on the waymarked paths. Once through the gate onto the open hill, put your dog on a lead in case of grazing stock and ground-nesting birds. The burn near the start is the only reliable water, so carry some for the top. Watch your dog at the Eagle's Eyrie, which sits on a steep edge. The FLS car park sits beside the Benderloch filling station.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.0 km (3.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Forest
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- No facilities at the car park; filling station beside it; cafes, shops and toilets in Oban.
- Parking
- Lora Forest FLS car park beside the filling station on the southern edge of Benderloch.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Beinn Lora and the Eagle's Eyrie from Benderloch, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in Argyll and ButeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Beinn Lora and the Eagle's Eyrie from Benderloch dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The forest paths are well made and quiet, and the summit view is a big reward for a short outing. The score reflects the steep, sustained climb, the very boggy ground on the open hill and the lack of water above the forest, which makes it harder going for small, young or elderly dogs in warm weather.
Can dogs be off lead at Beinn Lora and the Eagle's Eyrie from Benderloch?
There is moderate off-lead potential within Lora Forest, where livestock is unlikely on the waymarked paths. Once you pass through the kissing gate onto the open hillside, put your dog on a lead, as stock may graze there and ground-nesting birds breed in spring and early summer. Keep your dog close at the Eagle's Eyrie, which sits on the edge of a steep drop.
What should I know before visiting Beinn Lora and the Eagle's Eyrie from Benderloch with my dog?
The climb is steep from the start and the dip below the summit is very boggy, so expect muddy paws and wet feet. Carry water for your dog, as the burn near the bottom is the last reliable source. The car park is next to the filling station in Benderloch and can fill on sunny days. Forestry and Land Scotland flags ticks in the forest.
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