Cowal Way Map and Itinerary

Your walking adventure starts with your first overnight stay in Tarbert, Loch Fyne. After a short ferry crossing to Portavadie the following day you will be met and your bags collected, ready to set off on your walk.

Portavadie to Tighnabruich – 6 miles (10km)

The first section of the walk is gentle, take your time and enjoy the glorious views behind over Loch Fyne to Kintyre. You pass through Lamont Country – the Clan Lamont is one of the oldest of the Scottish Clans and the Cowal Peninsula is their homeland. You will walk through forests and past the ruins of Asgog castle before reaching the old gunpowder mill. As you head towards the Kyles of Bute you pass a golf course and then as you head north you follow the loch past Kames up into Tighnabruich. The walking is varied and the route is fairly flat along forest tracks, quiet public roads and paths.

Tighnabruich to Glendaruel – 11 miles (18km)

Heading north, hugging the coastline of the Kyles of Bute and Loch Riddon you head up into Glendaruel. Wildlife enthusiasts will be fascinated by the many seabirds and sealife in this coastal section where the walking is fairly flat, with a tougher short section in the middle after Glen Caladh which involves some awkward moves with the assistance of strategically placed rope. A magnificent days walking with some woodland path, but mostly tracks and some small road sections.

Glendaruel to Strachur – 16 miles (26km)

From Glendaruel the walking is relatively easy underfoot as you walk on farm and forest tracks most of the way. You can take a detour to see the ruined village of Kildalvan as you head up to Garvie burn and Dunans Castle. A remote section follows up to Glenbranter and a lovely wooded gorge follows before the quiet road section up to Strachur. Strachur is half a mile from the east shore of Loch Fyne and if you walk through Strachur House you will get some great views across the Loch.

Strachur to Lochgoilhead – 9 miles (14km)

Fantastic walking today, you get a real sense of this wild and rugged area with some great open hillside and great views as you pass the Struth Ban falls. Forest roads take you up near the summit of the pass and then a steep descent down to Curra Lochan where it can be a bit boggy. Great views over Loch Goil can be seen as you head up to Lochgoilhead. The village of Lochgoilhead was developed greatly after the coming of the Clyde Steamers and the parish church is one of the oldest foundations in the Cowal Peninsular.

Lochgoilhead to Arrochar – 10 miles (16km)

Mountains and glorious scenery surround you on todays walk up to Arrochar at the head of Loch Long. Most of the days walking is on tracks and paths so fairly easy underfoot. The cobblers south peak which looks like a sharks fin can be seen on your left as you walk up to Ardgartan and Ben Lomond to the north. Arrochar is surrounded by beautiful mountains and 4 munros so why not add on an extra day for some climbing.

Arrochar to Inveruglas – 5 miles (8km)

Many chose to end their walk in Arrochar as onward transport is easier but if you decide to walk the final section to Inveruglas you will get some great views to Loch Lomond and a real sense of achievement on finishing this fantastic long distance walk.

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