Stonefield Castle dates back to 1837 and is now a hotel. The walk descends through the gardens to make an idyllic round of Barmore Island.
Bog Factor
Clear paths; short section on the shore is slightly rocky and could be covered at high tide.
Stonefield Castle Hotel car park.
Buses run along the A84 road past the entrance to the Castle drive. It may not be possible to get on or off.
NR653490
The walk begins from the very impressive Stonefield Castle Hotel, where tea and coffee is served as well as lunches and accommodation; parking is courtesy of the hotel. Begin the walk by heading down the steps to the right of the hotel, leading into the gardens. Almost immediately the path reaches a junction; head to the left first (signed for the harbour and jetty).
The path heads through a fabulous collection of rhododendrons before it soon crosses a track. The route eventually heads to the right along this but first continue on the path straight ahead to visit the jetty or harbour. There is a bench here which provides the perfect spot to enjoy the lovely views of Barmore Island and across to Kintyre.
After enjoying this lovely spot, return to the track just crossed and turn left. Another left turn leads down to the shore once more at a second stunning spot for a break, again with a bench. Otherwise, turn left at the following junction, following a track across a bridge and heading out onto the grassy neck of land that connects the so-called Barmore island with the mainland. Join a track coming in from the right, and head out to Barmore.
Once on the 'island' turn right onto an idyllic footpath along the near shore. After a short distance through this heads down to and then runs along a rocky shore - which may be water-covered at high tide. At the far end of this the path climbs up steeply to the left to cross over to the far side of Barmore.
Follow the path down on the seaward side of the island and then follow it as it runs around the shore to the left. This is a very peaceful spot, with views across to the Cowal peninsula. Continue round the northernmost part of the island and past two monkey puzzle trees on the way back to the grassy isthmus, with Stonefield Castle looking impressive ahead.
Head back across the isthmus, bearing right, and then following the sign which cuts more directly up through the rhododendron gardens to return to the hotel.
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