The Brack is a fine Corbett, well seen across Loch Long from Arrochar. With a steep ascent, it gives a fairly rugged short hillwalk with plenty of character and good views.
Some steep ground, particularly in ascent.
Bus to Ardgarten
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Ardgarten Visitor Centre. Map and directions.
Park at the Ardgartan visitor centre. Signs direct long-stay cars over the bridge and to a car park at the back. From here, take the land rover track, which gives gradual ascent and views over to the Cobbler. After 1 km of walking, the craggy North face of the Brack comes into view. From here, there does not look to be an obvious way up but continue on.
After 200m further the track turns back on itself and meets another track. Turn right, heading north along the track for another 200m, until a sign directs you for the Brack. This path is very narrow in places and quite steep but does offer the chance to ascend quickly. After crossing a stile, the route crosses a burn and the path isn't as clear further up. Stay left of the crags. At about 650m, see if you can find the large bivi boulder. Once on to the flat shoulder of the Brack, Loch Long comes into focus as do the hills across to Glen Douglas and beyond.
From here, the path becomes obvious and the last final ascent leads to the OS trig point of the Brack. On a good day, the Cobbler is obvious as are Beinn Narnain, Ben Lomond and the hills to the North. In order to descend via the Coilessan glen, head WNW down the grassy humps of the Brack. This side of the hill is very different in character.
Keep south of the ridge to avoid a craggy knoll, eventually reaching part of the Cowal Way at the Bealach. Turn left along this; it peters out but keep right of the beginnings of a burn, and a little further down, the fence. As the conifers are approached aim slightly to the right to reach a stile. Cross this; from here a good path descends first through the trees and then through a felled area. Further down the path crosses two wooden footbridges and keeps below the forestry track for a while before joining it (looking back, the route is signed for Lochgoilhead 6km by the hill). Continue straight down the track; when it forks, take the main right hand branch.
There are views to Doune Hill on the far side of Loch Long; the little satellite peak of Cruach an t-Sidhein is prominent. Keep straight ahead on the main track after it crosses a small bridge; the branch here is part of a cycle route. Looking back, The Brack looks very fine. Continue down the track to reach a t-junction; turn left here. Further on another cycle route joins in from the right and the track becomes a surfaced minor road. Continue along the road for two and a half kilometres, with good views of the steep South Peak of The Cobbler in the later stages. The road leads to the Ardgartan Visitor Centre.
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Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.
