1. The walk begins from the horseshoe-shaped sliproad just off Tarbert Road at the southern edge of Ardrishaig. There is a small wooden gate with a 39 Steps sign just between a white house and an even bigger stone house (formerly a hotel). Two waymarked walks begin here; this description follows the longer blue route, which is well waymarked throughout. Go through the gate and ascend the wooden steps that give the route its name; there may be 39 in the main flight but there are alot more steps to climb than this!

2. At the top of this first section the path turns right as the fence on the right ends. It ascends some more steps before passing through a densely planted area where it is fainter, before it starts to climb again, now with a wooded gorge on the right. Cross a small footbridge and continue up through more open ground until the path reaches a forestry track.

3. Turn right along the track which soon heads into forestry plantations. Look out for a marker post which indicates where to turn left onto a path once more, passing a 'Rest and Be Thankful' picnic table and climbing beside a tumbling stream to a waterfall. The path forks, with the Red Route heading off to the right across a bridge; to continue the Blue route stay on the near bank and continue uphill, now crossing a series of wooden boardwalks.

4. When the path emerges on another forestry track, turn left. The dense trees are soon left behind as a felled area is reached, permitting great views over Loch Fyne and Lochgilphead. Continue to another track junction and this time turn left downhill. The track soon leads back to the point where the forest track was first reached earlier in the walk. Turn right to head back down the steep path to return to the start.

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