Validated by Fieldfare

This trail contains a steady uphill on well-worn, uneven tracks but visitors are rewarded on two counts: firstly, breaking through the forest plantation are some wonderful views to Lochgilpead and beyond. Secondly, the site contains probably the best example of several sets of 'Cup and Ring' stone markings in Britain, estimated to be 4,000 years old.

Surveyed by: Joe Penfold, March 0013 (Spring)
Accessibility Rating: 5
Distance: 1.7 km

Full Profile

Achnabreac is in Kilmichael Forest and is about two and a half miles north of Lochgilphead on the A816. OS Grid Reference: NR852909

Turn on to the unsurfaced forest road and follow this for around 500m.

Turn right into the car park.

There are a number of parking spaces and options available. However, no parking bays have been allocated for blue badge holders.

An information board at the site entrance displays the path network.

A number of mountain bike trails are also available.

Three picnic benches are located in the car park area and are situated on level, unsurfaced ground.

There is a small picnic area beside the car park which looks towards the small village of Cairnbaan and the Crinan Canal.

An outdoor amphitheatre is located a short distance from the car park.

Amphitheatre seating.

The Achnabreac trail follows the yellow waymark posts.

Three information stands at the back of the car park are located at the start of the trail.

The start of the trail involves a steep ascent on an uneven path. The gradient is approximately 20% /1:5 over a distance of 15 metres.

Shortly after, the path levels off.

The path width is approximately 1.2m wide.

The condition of the path varies, becoming more uneven as you progress along the trail.

A steep and sustained uphill section is followed for approximately 200m. The gradient averages 20% / 1:5.

The last 40m up to the Cup and Ring circles is steep, over an unsurfaced path.

The boardwalk gives an elevated view of the mysterious Cup and Ring markings, but some visitors may find the steep ascent to them difficult, as well as the steps on to the boardwalk.

Information on the Cup and Ring markings.

The trail leads to probably the most extensive set of cup and ring marked rocks in Britain. The markings are believed to have been made over 4000 years ago. The importance of this site and the reasons for the carvings remains a topic of speculation.

The viewing platform contains a number of steps. The height difference is 20cm.

The path contains a number of different surface types that blend naturally into the landscape.

Curiously, people using the trail are adding pebbles to this tree stump!

Tree roots across the path.

Another boardwalk is located alongside the second set of cup and ring markings. As before, the structure contains a large step from ground level.

Second set of cup and ring circles.

A worn-grass/earth path leads steeply uphill.

The gradient measures approximately 30% over 25m in length.

A picnic bench is located half-way up the slope.

View point from the picnic bench.

The uphill gradient continues for a short distance.

The path then levels off, bears right and continues on a straight course towards the forest road.

Follow the yellow waymark posts towards the forest road.

The path joins the forest road.

Bear left for the return loop to the car park.

Follow the yellow waymark posts.

The forest road follows a gradual descent towards the car park.

The forest road follows a gradual descent towards the car park.

Follow the yellow waymark posts.

Bear left into the car park.