This waymarked forestry walk climbs to the summit of Cnoc nan Gabhar to the north of Carradale. The reward is a stunning panorama taking in much of the east coast of Kintyre as well as the Arran mountains and Ailsa Craig.
Summary
Waymarked forest paths; steep ascent and some short boggy sections
Terrain
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1. The walk begins from the Port na Storm forest car park on the edge of Carradale, though it can also be picked up from the Network Centre along the road to the west. The walk is waymarked in red and begins along the vehicle track, ignoring the gate into a field on the right. When it reaches a signposted t-junction, turn left - marked for Deer Hill walk - and head through the gate. The track now curves round the lower slopes with glimpses through the trees of Carradale Bay. Ignore the turnings to the left, the second of which is the link with the Network Centre and cafe, and take the signposted and waymarked right just beyond.
2. The route now follows a grassy path steeply uphill. The trees soon become sparse and scattered, revealing improving views back over Carradale Bay, and, further on, the dome-shaped Ailsa Craig beyond the southern end of Arran. The climb eases but continues until the path briefly swings sharply right downhill and then back left once more.
3. Continue along the heather moors. The mountains of Arran look terrific, with the nearer Pirnmill hills dominating but spiky Cir Mhor sticks up from the other side of the island. Further on the view northwards along the coastline of Kintyre begins to open up. When a path junction is reached, turn left to make the short detour to the actual summit of Cnoc nan Gabhar along a boggy path.
4. The top is marked by a whitewashed trig point and has a fine panorama in all directions. Return back to the main path and continue along it; it soon begins to descend before meeting the Kintyre Way at a t-junction. Turn right here and follow this well constructed path towards Carradale village and harbour which is seen ahead and below.
5. Further down the path reaches a hardcore track at a signpost. Turn right to follow this to return the junction near Port na Storm, then turning left to return to the car park and the start.
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