The Cowal Way

The 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. 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 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 devised by Jim McLuckie of Glendaruel and Colintraive Community Council.

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	4-5.5 hours
5: Lochgoilhead to Arrochar	14.5km	4.5-5.5 hours
6: Arrochar to Inveruglas	7.75km	2.5 hours

THE CHALLENGE

The Cowal Way has been much improved in recent years and is well waymarked. It is however a rugged route crossing several exposed passes; some sections of the route can be boggy underfoot.

BOOKS AND MAPS