A woodland circuit heading up the slopes of Beinn Ghuilean with good views overlooking Campbeltown. Although described from the town it is possible to park near the start. A short section of the route is shared with mountain bikers so care is needed.
Summary
Well made paths, some steep sections.
Terrain
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1. From the centre of Campbeltown head up the main street and near the top bear right to follow the B842 in the direction of Southend and Machrinhanish. Once you pass the large creamery building on the left take the next road on the left, Tomaig Road, and follow this round past the housing and recreation ground. After the houses the road turns a sharp left and heads uphill passing a cemetery on the right. Just past this is a small parking area on the left which could be used as an alternative start as long as enough space is left to still use it as a passing space.
2. At the top of the road continue straight ahead rather than following the road past the houses and kennels at Narrowfield. Go through the gate straight ahead and follow the track across the field and then heading down towards Crosshill Loch, a small reservoir. Go through another gate and pass the end of the loch and once through a third gate climb up the track. Soon the start of the Beinn Ghuilean Trails is reached. Here the Forestry Commission has laid out a couple of mountain bike trails. This walk overlaps slightly with the easier trail so keep an eye out for bikers.
3. Don't go through the small gate leading to the bike trails but stay on the track just above it, passing through a farm gate and then when you reach the forest path keep straight ahead following the path uphill through the trees. The path is marked occasionally with blue footprint signs. Keep on the path as it crosses a small stream and levels off with good views over the Loch below. The path now climbs more steeply and when it bears left at the top it is possible to see the rough route to the summit of Beinn Ghuilean ahead. This requires a steep climb through a pathless heather moor needing navigation skills, although the reward of superb views on a clear day is worth the effort. This easier walk continues along the path to a bench at a vantage point over Campbeltown. Continue past another bench and re-enter the trees.
4. The path descends, go straight across at a crossroads where one of the bike trails crosses the route. Do the same at the next junction and continue downhill. The path then curves to the left and levels off. When it meets a path coming from the right turn left along it, taking care as this is shared with bikes. The path now reaches the dam at Crosshill Loch. Continue on the main path, ignoring a path which branches right for fishermen using the Loch.
5. The path crosses a stream on a bridge and then heads uphill through older broadleaved trees and eventually reaches the start of the bike trails. Turn right to follow the short section of path to the pedestrian gate and then retrace your steps back to Narrowfield and down the road into Campbeltown.
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