The third stage of the Cowal Way gives a chance to explore Clachan of Glendaruel, including its ancient carved graves and interesting church, before heading up the Glen on a quiet backroad with pleasant views.
Summary
Quiet, minor road, no pavement.
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Infrequent buses run along the main Glendaruel road - passing both ends of this walk.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. This section begins at Clachan of Glendaruel. There is some parking near the Hotel and down the lane towards Kilmodan church. If time allows, it is well worth looking in the churchyard to view the 14th and 15th century gravestones which are housed in a small building at the far end. The stones were carved by craftsmen who travelled a wide area to find work. The carvings include scrolls, images of unicorns, dogs, a priest, and a lady with her beads. The church itself is also worth visiting for its unusual Georgian design; the T-shape of the building was particularly suited to preaching and is only found in Scotland. The church seen today was restored in the 1980's and was built in 1783. It is the third church on this site, the original one dating back to 1610. From the church walk back up to the Hotel and turn left along the road. Immediately bear left where the road forks.
2. Follow this minor road as passes a children's play area and then crosses the bottom of the Glen and crosses the River Ruel on a stone bridge. Pass some farm buildings at Camquhart and continue following the road as it now heads up the Glen.
3. After a short while the a track leaves to the left with a signed footpath to the main road. Ahead is the old archway gateway for Glendaruel House. Continue on the road, passing the Water Mill B&B on the left. Keep following the road, ignoring a path to the left which leads to Lochan Chuilceachan. The stone walls for the walled gardens which once belonged to Glendaruel House, with the remains of old glasshouses can be seen on the right.
4. Just a little way further on, the fortified burial ground of Dun an Oir can be seen on a prominent mound surrounded by trees in a field to the right of the road. Continue along the road which turns a sharp right and passes Achanelid Farm. The countryside is pleasant here, with old coppiced hazel woodlands on the left and farmland leading to the river on the right.
Photo
- Elliot Simpson 
5. Soon this fertile land is left behind and the Glen becomes boggier, with reeds replacing the lush grass. Stay on the road passing an old stone barn on the right. Ignore the track to the left and soon the road crosses the stone bridge over the Kilbridemore Burn. After a short distance, the minor road emerges onto the A866. The next stage of the Cowal Way starts by turning right here and heading along the main road.
Next stage: Glendaruel to Strachur
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