LL&C Way: Lochgoilhead to Arrochar

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The fifth section of the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way includes the highest climb on the route, crossing the empty bealach between Lochgoilhead and Ardgarten. There are good views and something of a wilderness feel on the highest section.

Terrain

Forest tracks for much of the way, with a steep ascent on a rough path in the forest. The highest section of the route has only a very faint and boggy path - wooden posts mark part of this section.

Public Transport

Buses Lochgoilhead, bus/train Arrochar.

Start

Lochgoilhead. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from the large waterfront car park in Lochgoilhead. Begin by crossing the road near the entrance to the car park and heading up the lane signposted for the public toilets. Pass these; the lane leads only to some houses but a good clear path continues the route. Go through a gate and turn right on a small track. Just before the track crosses a wooden bridge (with a sign for the Duke's Pass), turn left on a path that cuts up to another track just above. Go through the gate but then cross the track and continue uphill now on the other side of the fence.

Stage 2

Almost immediately it leads up to yet another track at a kissing gate; turn left along this track. There are good views back down to Lochgoilhead. The track leads pleasantly uphill along the edge of the forest, with many deciduous trees as well as the conifers. Further on the track ends at a gate; cross the stile to head into the plantations on a good path. This continues through the trees, with glimpses of some small waterfalls over to the left. Just beyond the path crosses a footbridge over the Allt Airigh na Creige. On the far side, take the path that bears right, climbing steeply uphill (the left-hand path is used on the Glen Donich loop). The path winds uphill to reach a signpost; turn right here up a grassy gap in the trees (marked Cowal Way on the post). From this point the going underfoot becomes rougher, and boggy in places. Keep on steeply uphill; as you climb, a small burn flows down the centre of the cleared gap whilst the muddy path keeps to its right. Ignore a gap in the trees on the right, continuing straight up.

Stage 3

As the trees are finally left behind the path bears slightly right - look out for the wooden posts which mark the way - to reach a stile in the upper forest fence. Cross this and on the far side continuing ascending, half-left up the slope - there are more wooden posts to mark the way as the path becomes very faint on this section. The mountain in view over to the left is Ben Donich; continue to gain height away from the trees as the treeline leads towards a different bealach or pass. Eventually The Brack comes into view slightly to the left of the route, with a tiny lochan visible on the bealach. Continue past more marker posts which lead above the right hand side of the bealach before descending to the cairn marking the true bealach, just to the right of the lochan.

Stage 4

From the cairn the path heads steeply downhill for a few steps and then disappears. Keep to the 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.

Stage 5

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.

Stage 6

Continue along the road for around a kilometre until a blue waymarker post and Cowal Way sign indicate a path heading off to the right. This leads down to the beautiful shoreline and heads along it, with the massive new Ardgartan Hotel visible ahead. After passing a boathouse continue by the shore until a marker indicates where to turn left at a junction and head away from the water. Cross a small bridge and follow the twisting path through woods before emerging onto the hotel driveway. Turn left along this. There are good views of the steep South Peak of The Cobbler. The footbridge to the path on the far side of the burn may be closed, if so keep ahead along the driveway until you reach the road once more, then turn right along it. Either way, the Ardgartan car park is reached.

Stage 7

As the visitor centre (closed but toilets open) is seen in the distance through the trees, turn right (Cowal Way sign) on a path leading to a wooden chicane which emphasises the care needed to cross the busy road. Follow the trail on the far side; it swings left at first before curving back to the right, passing a bench and climbing a few zig-zags until it reaches a forestry track.

Stage 8

Turn right along the forest track, ignoring paths a path off to the left, and reaching a bench. From here follow the broad, engineered path which heads downhill in a frustratingly wide series of zig-zags. This reaches Arrochar at the Succoth Car park. Cross the road carefully to the car park and then bear left through this to follow a footpath parallel to the road round the back of the bay and across a footbridge to reach the village itself which has accommodation, pubs, chippy and shop.

Next stage: Arrochar to Inveruglas

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LL&C Way: Lochgoilhead to Arrochar

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Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Hillwalking in Winter

Users' reports

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