This waymarked forestry walk from Lochgoilhead gives an enjoyable circuit of the lower part of Glen Donich. It can be extended by including an alternative waymarked route higher on the north side of the glen.
Bog Factor
Waymarked forest paths; a fair amount of ascent is involved.
Lochgoilhead.
Buses.
NN199013
There is a small forestry car park at the start of the waymarked trail, opposite the fire station, but it is much easier to find the large waterfront car park in Lochgoilhead and the walk can be begun there. Begin by crossing the road near the entrance to the car park and heading up the lane signed for the toilets. Pass these; the lane leads only to some houses but a good clear path continues the route. Go through a gate and turn right on a small track.
Just before the track crosses a wooden bridge (bridge missing Sept 2026 please let us know if it has been replaced) (with a sign for the Duke's Pass), turn left on a path that cuts up to another track just above. Go through the gate but then cross the track and continue uphill now on the other side of the fence. The path (and the rest of the route) is waymarked with red-banded marker points. It leads up to yet another track at a kissing gate; turn left along this track. There are good views back down to Lochgoilhead.
The track leads pleasantly uphill along the edge of the forest, with many deciduous trees as well as the conifers. Further on the track ends at a gate; cross the stile to head into the plantations on a good path. This continues through the trees, with glimpses of some small waterfalls over to the left. Just beyond the path crosses a footbridge over the Allt Airigh na Creige. The junction on the far side is badly signed, as one post seems to indicate the Glen Donich route to the right - this leads up to the open hill. Instead, turn left - signed for Forest Walk - and still following the red waymarkers.
A lovely stretch of path climbs up some steps and contours round above the Eas Garbh before crossing it at a footbridge; just beyond is a picnic table. Continue uphill a little further to a junction. It is possible to extend the walk by following the blue waymarkers off to the right here - adding almost an hour and following the waymarkers back to the glen road. Otherwise, keep left and following the red markers, now heading downhill with some great views through the trees to the surrounding hills and over towards the head of the loch.
The path emerges on a track - keep right onto this - and follow the track down into the open glen. At the t-junction, turn left (signed Glen Donich circular). Follow the track over the bridge and keep straight ahead at the junction on the far side. A short distance further on turn right (ignoring the red waymarker ahead) to reach the small forestry car park, decorated with a wooden sculpture of an eagle. Keep straight on to reach the Lochgoilhead road at the fire station. Now simply turn left down the road to return to the start.
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