This forestry walk climbs up amongst the trees and tumbling streams above Ardrishaig for some great views across Loch Fyne. The route is partially waymarked but signs are worn and boardwalk is in a poor state.
Bog Factor
Part waymarked forest paths and tracks with fair amount of ascent
Ardrishaig.
Ardrishaig is served by buses.
NR849845
The walk begins from the horseshoe-shaped sliproad just off Tarbert Road at the southern edge of Ardrishaig. There is a small wooden gate with a worn-out 39 Steps sign just between a white house and an even bigger stone house (formerly a hotel). Two waymarked walks begin here; this description follows the longer blue route. Go through the gate and ascend the wooden steps that give the route its name; there may be 39 in the main flight but there are alot more steps to climb than this!
At the top of this first section the path turns right as the fence on the right ends. It ascends some more steps before passing through a densely planted area, before it starts to climb again, now with a wooded gorge on the right. Cross a small footbridge and continue up through more open ground until the path reaches a broader made path through the forestry.
Turn right along this wider path which soon heads through plantations. Take the next left (marker post missing) onto a narrower path once more, passing a picnic table and climbing beside a tumbling stream to a waterfall. The red route goes off right to a footbridge; ignore this and stay on the near bank and continue uphill, now crossing a series of wooden boardwalks (care needed).
When the path emerges on another forestry track, turn left. The dense trees are soon left behind as a felled area is reached, permitting great views over Loch Fyne and Lochgilphead. Continue to another track junction and this time turn left downhill. The track soon leads back to the point where the forest track was first reached earlier in the walk. Turn right to head back down the steep path to return to the start.
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