This steep ascent from Kilmun on the Holy Loch follows increasingly steep and rough paths uphill through the forest. The reward is the superb view from the summit, whether looking over Dunoon to Arran or up Loch Long.
Summary
The ascent is very steep at times, on tracks and a good path at first. Higher up the path is faint and boggy in places.
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1. There is space to park just past Kilmun pier (opposite the Hotel) or alternatively by the Graham's Point picnic area. Begin by heading east along the A880, passing Graham's Point and the fine Hillside House. Just past Hillside House, turn left onto Johnstone Avenue. Do not follow the avenue as it curves round in front of the houses but instead go straight ahead, then turning right (signed 'Forest Walk') onto a route that rises across the back of the houses.
2. Follow the path uphill until it meets a forestry track. Turn left here but then immediately right up another track that climbs across the slope. After almost a kilometre there is a clear area on the right that permits superb views towards Dunoon and down the Firth of Clyde, whilst ahead across Loch Long the Luss Hills can be seen. When the track reaches a two way fork leave it and instead turn sharp left onto a path cutting back uphill - there is a wooden marker post here.
3. The path, which has a good surface, swings right through young conifers and approaches a drystone dyke. The path climbs very steeply uphill beside the dyke before bending left away from it again. A marker post then indicates a turn to the right slightly further on; take this and follow the path as it again approaches the wall. The made-up path ends here. Do not cross the wall, instead turning left (marker post) onto a rougher, narrower and muddier path. This crosses a broken down fence and continues to wind uphill, never far from the stone wall.
4. Higher up one section of the wall is missing; the path here goes through the gap and then continues up the other side of this energetic boundary. The route crosses a shallow and boggy dip before rising again, finally climbing above the top of the trees. The summit is now near; when a broken down wall runs across the route, bear right across the heather (no path) to the Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar that marks the top.
5. As well as the superb views both up the Clyde and down over Dunoon to the islands of Bute, Arran and Great and Little Cumbrae. At the last moment on reaching the top the vistas also opened up to the north, looking along Loch Long, and west over to the flat summit of Beinn Mhor, the highest hill in this area. Return back down the path - being careful to retrace your steps and not become lost in the forest. Retrace your steps back along the forestry track to just above Kilmun. For a variation on the return, do not take the dog-leg left and right for the path that led down to the houses, instead keeping straight on along the forestry track.
6. The track rises a little and has good views over the Holy Loch at times. Ignore a fork off to the right, and a second turning on the right, to eventually reach a concrete driveway. Continue down this to reach the main road just east of Kilmun Church. There has been a church here for a thousand years or more; although the current building is Victorian it is worth a visit for its fine stained glass and its water-powered organ, as well as the attached Mausoleum with its cast iron dome. Turn left along the pavement to return to the pier and the start.
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