This second stage of the Cowal Way passes some of the most lovely coastal scenery in Argyll. After passing the interesting cafes and shops in Tighnabruaich the route runs along a minor road and then a beautiful coastal track before reaching a strenuous section requiring careful navigation and the occasional scramble over boulders and very wet ground. The final section rewards with easy walking next to the water.
Summary
Minor road, track but also an extremely rugged path with small scrambles and very boggy sections. Note: Walkers who wish to avoid the tricky section of this stage can take make arrangements to be taken by boat to Ormadale Lodge - see DC Marine as listed under Attractions.
Terrain
NR979728
Grid ref
14.5km/9 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Users'
rating
Infrequent bus service between Tighnabruaich and Glendaruel.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Follow the coastal road from the centre of Tighnabruaich, passing the shops, post office, cafe and hotel and then continuing past the houses, pier, and the settlement of Port Driseach. Keep on the shore road until you reach the boatyard and slipway at then end of the public road. Continue on the well surfaced track ahead, this skirts the edge of the water, although in places rhododendrons obscure the view.
2. After curving round the bay, the track rises beneath a crag. When a fork is reached, keep left to head slightly uphill to go behind the houses at Glen West and pass a waterfall. At a second junction keep on the main track ignoring the track to the left. Soon afterwards there is a small viewpoint with a bench just to the right of the track. This looks out across the Kyles.
3. Eventually a small white lighthouse comes into view with Eilean Dubh just behind it. Follow the track around the bay, ignoring the path up to the Lily Pond. When the track starts to climb uphill past the buildings and area known as The Pheasantry, keep on the main track ignoring a path to the left and track to the right which leads down to the houses. Notice the Cowal Way marker signs, red on white, which will become crucial for the next section of the walk.
4. Soon the buildings at Caladh Farm come into view on the bay. Turn right immediately after the small green shed on the right and before the first house to descend a path to the shore. This next section is much more rugged and it is necessary to keep an eye out for the marker signs. Keeping on the shoreline, work your way across the bay in front of the houses crossing three streams (the third has stepping stones). At very high tide this section may be impassable. Continue right to the far end of the bay,where rocks go down into the water. Here look for the marker sign pointing inland. Climb up the slabby rock here, taking care as it can be slippery and follow the narrow path into the trees.
5. The path weaves through the trees, rhododendrons and numerous mossy boulders. Soon you reach a narrow ledge where a rope provides a useful hand hold. Keep looking for the marker signs, if you do not see one for a few minutes, retrace your steps to check that you have not left the faint path. The path next climbs through silver birch before descending to the shoreline. A huge rock sticks out towards the water, turn left here to go behind it, passing to the right of another rock with a massive split in it and a shelter underneath. Descend again to the shore and when it looks as though the way is blocked by boulders bear left to clamber behind them and follow the path through a wet area of dense rhododendron. Eventually the top of the descent to Ormidale Lodge is reached with the bay and road visible ahead. The descent is steep and wet underfoot. Towards the bottom the path bears right to emerge at the gate to the pretty Lodge.
6. Follow the road around the bay passing a chalet and cottage. This quiet road, at the water's edge, comes as a welcome relief from the battle of the previous section. Continue until the A8003 is reached. Turn right and follow this road for 3.3km until a small turning on the left marked for Waulkmill. Passing the house, continue along the closed road until a broken stone bridge is reached. Cross this with care and turn right onto the minor road which leads over the packhorse bridge built by Thomas Telford before returning to the A8003 at Lephinkill. Turn left onto the verge beside the main road and very soon take the next left for Clachan of Glendaruel where it is worth visiting the carved stones from the 14th and 15th century in the churchyard.
Next stage: Glendaruel
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