This woodland circuit on the slopes of Beinn Ghuilean gives superb views over Campbeltown. The walk is described starting from the town centre but it is also possible to park nearer to the start. Parts of the route are popular with mountain bikers so care is needed.
Well made paths, some steep sections.
Campbeltown has a good bus service.
Campbeltown.
From the centre of Campbeltown head up the main street and near the top bear right to follow the B842 in the direction of Southend and Machrinhanish. Once you pass the large creamery building on the left take the next road on the left, Tomaig Road, and follow this round past the housing and recreation ground. After the houses (possible steet parking here) the road turns a sharp left and heads uphill passing a cemetery on the right.
At the top of the road continue straight ahead rather than following the road past the houses and kennels at Narrowfield. Go through the gate straight ahead (or over it if locked), following the hard track across the field as it slopes down above Crosshill Loch, a small reservoir. Go through another gate and pass the end of the loch. Soon a large hardstanding area is reached. Take the path that starts to the left of the track, and passes through a pedestrian gate.
At the path junction beyond take the right hand path to soon rejoin the main track. Follow this for a fairly short distance until a ramp on the right leads up to a path. Keep on the path as it crosses a small stream and levels off with good views back over the loch below. The path now climbs more steeply and when it bears left at the top it is possible to see the rough route to the summit of Beinn Ghuilean ahead. This requires a steep climb through a pathless heather moor needing navigation skills, although the reward of superb views on a clear day is worth the effort.
This easier walk continues along the path to a bench at a vantage point over Campbeltown. Continue past another bench and soon re-enter the trees. The path descends to meet the main hard track once more - go across this (very slightly left) onto a path which continues down the far side. When this forks, keep right, and further on go straight ahead at another crossroads, continuing downhill.
The path then curves to the left and levels off, meeting with a path coming in from the right. Keep ahead along this. The path now reaches the dam at Crosshill Loch. Continue on the main path.
The path crosses a stream on a bridge and then heads uphill through older broadleaved trees and eventually reaches the start of the trails at the cross paths once more. Turn right to head back through the pedestrian gate and then retrace your steps back to Narrowfield and down the road into Campbeltown.
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