Cowal Way: Arrochar to Inveruglas

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This final section of the Cowal Way links Arrochar on Loch Long with Inveruglas on Loch Lomond. An easy going walk with great views of the mountains. Could be done as a day walk with public transport. It also allows a link to be made between the Cowal Way and the West Highland Way. NOTE: Path currently closed until mid Apr 2018 between Arrochar and Tarbet use pavement on busy A83.

Terrain

Good paths and tarred lane.

Public Transport

Arrochar and Inveruglas are both served by bus, whilst there is a rail station at Tarbet.

Start

Loch Long car park, Arrochar. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.75km / 4.75 miles
Time: 2.5 hours
Ascent: 190m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN298048

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Start from the main Loch Long car park in Arrochar (charge payable) or walk back from the village. Begin the walk by heading up to the pavement by the main road and turning left along it. Just before it crosses a bridge over the Loin Water, turn right onto a track heading upstream, marked with a Forest Walks and Cowal Way sign. Before reaching the farm turn right onto a well-constructed path. This soon swings left; ignore a path off to the right that leads to the Arrochar-Tarbet link path. The path now heads up the glen beneath the telegraph wires, at first just above the farm track and then joining with it. There are good views of Beinn Narnain and A'Chrois to the left.

Stage 2

At the end of the flat section of Glen Loin the path crosses a small wooden footbridge and begins to climb the broken slopes, still beneath the pylons. The southern end of Ben Vorlich is visible ahead whilst there is forestry over to each side but the views remain open. Pass through a gate to reach the highest point on this section beside some outcropping rocks. The path now runs beside the trees on the left before curving into and running along a firebreak.

Stage 3

Soon go through a gate and bear right to follow the main path crossing a bridge over the Inveruglas Water. On the far side take the track that leads up to a private tarmac road running along the glen; turn right onto this to head down the glen. The steep mountain visible behind is Ben Vane, with Ben Vorlich over to the right. The left turn up the road is also popular with people completing a circuit of Glen Loin as well as hillwalkers.

Stage 4

Keep following the surfaced road as it passes an electricity substation and pylons from the hydro electric scheme cross overhead. You may well be joined by walkers either heading up towards the Sloy dam to tackle the Munros or descending after a day in the hills. Eventually the road loops round and then goes under the railway and past a gate to emerge onto a cycleway next to the busy A82. Turn left and follow this shared path which keeps you away from the main road. This crosses a number of tracks but keeps going all the way to the large power station at Inveruglas. From here it is only a short walk along the pavement and then cross the road to the big car park, visitor centre and cafe.

Stage 5

As a finale to the Cowal Way, be sure to follow the path up beyond the cafe to visit the 'An Ceann Mor' installation. You can pass through this wooden structure to reveal a grand view down Loch Lomond, and then climb it to reveal the outlook over the loch. From Inveruglas it is possible to take a boat trip to Inversnaid on the other side of Loch Lomond and pick up the West Highland Way, or for those whose journey is over, there is a Citylink bus service running along the A82.

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