The Cowal Way


The Cowal Way runs for around 90 kilometres along the length of the Cowal peninsula. It begins at Portavadie in the southwest, where the ferry runs from Tarbert in Kintyre, and includes forests, waterfalls, the shore of sea-lochs and hill-passes along the way to end at Inveruglas on the shores of Loch Lomond. It passes through rugged countryside rich in wildlife. From Inveruglas a ferry across the loch enables a link with the West Highland Way, so with the possible link to the Kintyre Way via the Portavadie Ferry, the Cowal Way could be one link in an epic walk through Scotland. Another option is to link from Arrochar with the Three Lochs Way which leads to Balloch.

The route was devised by Jim McLuckie of Glendaruel and Colintraive Community Council. It is partially waymarked but does include some pathless sections.

Cowal Way
Walk Grade Distance Time
Stage 1: Portavadie to Tighnabruaich 10.5km 3 - 4 hours
Stage 2: Tighnabruaich to Clachan of Glendaruel 14.5km 4.5 - 5 hours
Stage 3: Glendaruel 9.25km 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Stage 4: Glendaruel to Strachur 19km 4 - 5 hours
Stage 5: Strachur to Lochgoilhead 14.5km 4 - 5.5 hours
Stage 6: Lochgoilhead to Arrochar 14.5km 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Stage 7: Arrochar to Inveruglas 7.75km 2.5 hours


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