Ballachuan Hazelwood is a nature reserve owned and managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It covers the south eastern section of the island of Seil and is a valuable site for lichens and bryophytes (mosses and liverworts).

Ballachuan is part of a series of sites that make up the Celtic Rainforest, ancient woodlands mainly dominated by either hazel or oak and support a wide variety of wildlife.

Walking around Ballachuan Hazelwood.

By their nature these sites are wet and wild places, atmospheric and great to explore but sometimes challenging underfoot.

There is a circular path which takes you through thick hazelwood dripping with lichens then emerges out onto a viewpoint with excellent views towards the islands of Luing and Scarba. There is also a path which takes you to the eastern shore of the island where you may spot otters.

The return route takes you through the wet meadow where you may see Marsh Fritillary butterflies and a range of wildflowers that thrive in this wet environment. Nearby is a lochan with a resident population of mute swan and a variety of ducks and geese.

Allow 1½ hours or more to explore this fascinating nature reserve but please keep to the paths. There is an information board at the beginning of the Reserve with a map.

How to get to Ballachuan Hazelwood.

From Balvicar, take the B8003 heading south. After 1.4Km there is a layby below Kilbrandon Church where you can park. You can see the Reserve from here just beyond the lochan to the east. Walk down the private road for approximately 0.5Km where you will see signs to the entrance of the Reserve. Please do not drive down the private road as there is no parking or turning places.

Enjoy your visit!

There’s more information on the Scottish Wildlife Trust website.

Tap to download a Map.