The Loch Lomond and Cowal Way

The Loch Lomond and Cowal Way ranks as one of Scotland's most scenic long distance routes, running for around 90 kilometres along the length of the Cowal peninsula. Formerly known simply as the Cowal Way, it begins at Portavadie in the southwest, where the ferry runs from Tarbert in Kintyre, and includes forests, waterfalls, the shore of sea-lochs and hill-passes along the way to end at Inveruglas on the shores of Loch Lomond. It passes through rugged countryside rich in wildlife. From Inveruglas a ferry across the loch enables a link with the West Highland Way, so with the possible link to the Kintyre Way via the Portavadie Ferry, the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way could be one link in an epic walk through Scotland. Another option is to link from Arrochar with the Three Lochs Way which leads to Balloch.

The route was originally devised by Jim McLuckie.

Stage descriptions	Length	Time	Done
1: Portavadie to Tighnabruaich	10.5km	3-4 hours
2: Tighnabruaich to Glendaruel	18.25km	5-6 hours
3: Glendaruel to Strachur	25.5km	6-7 hours
4: Strachur to Lochgoilhead	14.5km	4-5½ hours
5: Lochgoilhead to Arrochar	14.5km	4.5-5½ hours
6: Arrochar to Inveruglas	7.75km	2½ hours

THE CHALLENGE

The route is now well waymarked, but is still a rugged route crossing several exposed passes; some sections of the route can be boggy underfoot.

BOOKS AND MAPS