The Argyll National Forest is a hidden gem in the Scottish Highlands. Many would have skirted around the edge of these west coast woodlands as they head further north to Glencoe and the Isle of Skye.
Established in 1935 it is an area of south-west Argyll, just a short drive from the hurly-burly of Glasgow city, where you can discover truly wild places. The Forestry Commission, the national body responsible for forest management, describes it as "a land of craggy peaks and hidden glens, peaceful sea lochs and rushing rivers." The special protection given to the forest means it is teeming with native wildlife. If you are careful and quiet, there's every chance you'll glimpse a red squirrel.
"a land of craggy peaks and hidden glens, peaceful sea lochs and rushing rivers."
There's plenty more wildlife to discover particularly pine marten and red deer, but also woodland songbirds and porpoises, seals and otters in the sea loch. You can get a feeling for the beauty of Argyll and how it is a mystical place when the mist swirls across mountain sides and forest glades in this short film. It's made by independent cinematographer Max Smith and received a Vimeo Staff Pick badge.
This film is the first in a series called 'A Sense of Place.' You can watch the second film focusing on winter wildlife in the Scottish Cairngorms here.