Discover the Enchantment of Shian Wood
Nestled on the southern shores of Loch Creran, just about one and a half miles from Kintaline house down the Isle of Eriska turning, Shian Wood is a mesmerising ancient wet semi-natural woodland. This Scottish Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of habitats and an array of stunning flora and fauna.
The Atlantic Woodland: A Haven of Biodiversity
Shian Wood stands proudly on a low, flattened ridge jutting into Loch Creran. This enchanting woodland is renowned for its lush carpets of spring flowers and its significant collection of rare moss and lichen species, characteristic of temperate rainforests. The vibrant biodiversity found here makes it a crucial refuge for various wildlife.
In the spring, the woodland floor transforms into a colourful tapestry, adorned with bluebells, dog violets, bugle, wood anemone, wood sorrel, greater stitchwort, yellow pimpernel, and primrose. Ferns such as male fern, broad buckler fern, beech fern, hard fern, bracken, and Wilson's filmy fern contribute to the verdant beauty of the woodland. The presence of majestic oak specimens and lovely stands of hazel draped with diverse lichens (including lobarion, parmelion, graphidion, and usneion communities) adds to the woodland's charm.
A Walk Through Nature’s Wonderland
Embarking on a walk through Shian Wood is like stepping into a fairytale. The journey begins at the reserve’s parking area, just before Eriska. Follow the clear waymarkers from the gate, leading you uphill and into the heart of this magical woodland.
Route Details:
- Start: Park in the designated area and take the track into the reserve. This path skirts sections of rush pasture, wet heath, and rough grassland.
- Hazel-Oak Woodland: At the first junction, take the left turn into hazel-oak woodland with open glades. Traverse some boardwalk sections over the wetter areas.
- Path Options: Upon reaching the next junction, you can opt for a shorter route by turning right or continue on the longer path towards An Sidhean (The Fairy Hummock).
- Return Path: The return journey skirts the outer edge of the reserve through more woodland. An unmarked narrow path leads to a viewpoint offering splendid views of Loch Creran before rejoining the main track back to the car park.
- Wet Meadow: If time permits, explore the wet meadow near the car park, rich with marsh thistle, yellow flag iris, devil's bit scabious, cuckoo flower, and creeping buttercup. This area is a haven for butterflies, including the marsh fritillary, chequered skipper, and green-veined white.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (May to June): Witness the woodland floor cloaked in a riot of spring flowers.
- Early Summer (May to July): Ideal for birdwatching as breeding birds nest in the diverse habitats.
Wildlife Highlights
- Birds: Woodland birds such as warblers, tits, siskins, and the greater spotted woodpecker.
- Invertebrates: The abundance of deadwood supports a variety of invertebrates and fungi.
- Butterflies: Marsh fritillary, chequered skipper, green-veined white, and speckled wood can be spotted in different areas.
Practical Information
- Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes due to wet and rough track conditions.
- Ticks: Be aware of the presence of sheep ticks.
Shian Wood promises a delightful escape into nature, offering the perfect setting to lose yourself in the beauty of ancient woodland, diverse flora, and vibrant wildlife. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a wildflower enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil walk, Shian Wood is well worth a visit.
- grade: easy
- terrain: woodland path
- length: 2 km (1.25 miles)
- Type: circular
walk map - Scottish Wildlife Trust map pdf
Shian Wood
Shian Wood walk description
