This walk is intended to start and finish from the designated car park, however if you so choose we will provide a return bus transfer to and from the multi start at Bruce's Stone. The bus will depart from Bruce's Stone approximately 20 minutes before the walk is due to start. There is ample parking at the start of the walk.

Knockman Wood contains both conifer and semi-natural oak woodland. After both World Wars, timber was in great demand and much of the natural woodland was felled. Trees were cut close to the ground by a method known as coppicing, leaving the root system and base intact. This allows re-growth in a characteristic way, with many small trunks growing out from the base. There are several areas of ancient oak wood that have now been deer fenced and left to regenerate naturally. These support a wide variety of plant and animal life such as mosses and lichens which flourish in the clean air and several species of rare birds and butterflies.

The wood is steeped in history and there are various reminders of its agricultural past. Look out for a chambered cairn on our left , an ancient burial site dating from the Neolithic period between 6000 and 4000 years ago. Much later, we pass a well preserved corn drying kiln, used to dry the grain before milling. Further on we will explore the forest clearings and the remains of medieval settlements.

In the past the wood has been used for pasture, a rare practice in Scotland, and in the 19th century it was also a deer park. Nowadays, resident fallow deer and the occasional red or roe deer may be seen in the unfenced areas of this walk. They are shy creatures but can sometimes be spotted if you are quiet. Along the way, enjoy the stunning views to Cairnsmore of Fleet and the surrounding countryside.

This is a rewarding walk, which we are sure will be very popular with our visitors. We ask you to be mindful that despite the grade of this walk you should wear suitable footwear and be prepared for sections of wet ground under foot.