Taynish National Nature Reserve Trails
Argyll and Bute
Taynish is a National Nature Reserve on a long, narrow peninsula south of Tayvallich in Knapdale, protecting one of the most extensive remnants of the Atlantic oakwoods that once lined Scotland's west coast. Dogs need a lead or close control throughout, since Highland, Shetland and Belted Galloway cattle graze the reserve year round, including the coastal meadows. The woods are thick with mosses, liverworts and lichens, and the reserve's coastal meadows are a Scottish stronghold for the marsh fritillary butterfly. This 9.5km route links NatureScot's three waymarked trails. The Barr Mor trail climbs steps through the oaks to a ridge with views over the whole reserve to the Paps of Jura; the coastal trail visits a small hide above tidal rapids where otters are sometimes seen, and passes Taynish House, built in 1650; the woodland trail finishes at the ruined Taynish Mill and its waterfall. There is about 180 metres of climbing on good woodland paths and tracks.
This dog friendly walk is best enjoyed at a steady pace on a lead. NatureScot asks for dogs to be kept on a lead or under close control, and native Highland, Shetland and Belted Galloway cattle live on the reserve all year, grazing the coastal meadows and woodland openings, so expect to meet them. The oak canopy gives good shade, and there are shoreline spots and the mill burn for a drink. Ticks are common in the bracken. The car park holds around ten cars at the end of a rough single track road, and the nearest toilets are in Tayvallich.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Coastal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- No facilities on the reserve; public toilets and a village shop in Tayvallich. Picnic benches at the mill and on the coastal trail.
- Parking
- Small free NatureScot car park (about ten cars) 2km south of Tayvallich on a single track, partly unmetalled road unsuitable for large motorhomes.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Taynish National Nature Reserve Trails, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Birchbank Loch View Lodge
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £476 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in Argyll and ButeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Taynish National Nature Reserve Trails dog friendly?
Taynish is a dog-friendly walk, rated 7 out of 10. Dogs are welcome throughout the reserve's 9.5km of waymarked trails, which offer good shade under the oak canopy, shoreline spots, and the mill burn for a drink along the way.
Can dogs be off lead at Taynish National Nature Reserve Trails?
NatureScot asks that dogs are kept on a lead or under close control throughout the reserve. This is mainly because Highland, Shetland and Belted Galloway cattle graze the reserve year round, including the coastal meadows and woodland openings, so encounters are likely.
What should I know before visiting Taynish National Nature Reserve Trails with my dog?
Keep your dog on a lead due to the grazing cattle, and be aware that ticks are common in the bracken. The car park is small (around ten cars) and reached via a rough single track road, so it's not suitable for large motorhomes. There are no facilities on the reserve itself, but public toilets and a village shop are available in Tayvallich, about 2km away.
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