LL&C Way: Tighnabruaich to Glendaruel

Summary

This second stage of the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way is a real highlight and takes in some of the most lovely coastal scenery in Argyll. After leaving the cafes and shops in Tighnabruaich the route follows a beautiful coastal track before reaching a rugged section alongside the Kyles of Bute - a real highlight of the route, with occasional scrambles over boulders and wet ground but much improved in recent years. After this the route takes to minor roads, first by the water then inland into Glendaruel.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Track, rugged path for a section, then minor roads.

Getting there

Start

Tighnabruaich.

Public Transport

Tighnabruaich is served by buses; no public transport to the end of the stage in Glendaruel (though infrequent buses run along the main road through the glen).

Start Grid Ref

NR975723

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 18.25km / 11.25 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 70m (Profile)

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Explorer 362 - Cowal West

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

From outside the Royal an Lochan Hotel, follow the coastal road northeast (left as you face the sea) through the centre of Tighnabruaich, passing the palm trees, shops, post office, cafe and further hotels and then continuing past the houses, pier, and the settlement of Port Driseach. Keep on the shore road until you reach the boatyard and slipway at the end of the public road. Continue on the well surfaced track ahead which skirts the water's edge. After curving round the bay, the track rises beneath a crag. When a fork is reached, keep left to head slightly uphill to go behind the houses at Glen West, passing a waterfall.

Stage 2

At the next junction keep straight ahead, ignoring the track off to the left. Eventually the track leads back to the shore for a delightful stretch, with a small white lighthouse out in the bay and Eilean Dubh just behind it. Follow the track around the bay, ignoring the path off left to the Hill Cottage and the Lily Pond. The track swings right to climb uphill above the buildings at The Pheasantry; keep on the main track signed for Upper Caladh, ignoring another path to the left and a track to the right which leads down to the houses.

Stage 3

Soon the buildings at Caladh Farm come into view on the bay. Turn right after the row of cottages to head down to the shoreline. From here the walk becomes much more rugged, although it has been improved in recent years. Head left along the shore of the bay, crossing a stream via a footbridge. Continue towards the far end of the bay, where rocks with a railing lead onto the shore. You can either head up by the railing, or if the tide is high, go up slightly earlier at the edge of the trees. The path - wet in places - weaves through the trees, rhododendrons and mossy boulders.

Stage 4

Soon you reach a narrow ledge where a new walkway enables you to continue above the water. The path then climbs through silver birch before descending to the shoreline. A huge rock sticks out towards the water, turn left here to go behind it, passing to the right of another rock with a massive split in it and a shelter underneath.

Stage 5

Descend again to the shore; further on the path bears left to clamber behind rocks and then leads through a wet area; at one point there are some benches with great views out across the Kyles. Eventually the top of the descent to Ormidale Lodge is reached with the bay and road visible ahead. The descent is steep but aided by many new steps. Eventually the path bears right to emerge at the gateway to the lodge.

Stage 6

Turn left here along the minor road, which is followed for around 2km right by the shoreline until it joins the comparatively bigger A8003. Turn right along this road, following it for a little over another 3.5km until a marker post indicates where to turn left onto a track by Waulkmill Cottage. Turn right onto the minor road which leads over the packhorse bridge built by Thomas Telford before returning to the A8003 at Lephinkill.

Stage 7

Turn left onto the verge beside the main road and very soon take the next left for Clachan of Glendaruel. It is well worth detouring left to visit the churchyard to view the 14th and 15th century gravestones which are housed in a small building at the far end. The stones were carved by craftsmen who travelled a wide area to find work. The carvings include scrolls, images of unicorns, dogs, a priest, and a lady with her beads. The church itself dates back to 1783 and is worth visiting for its unusual Georgian design; the T-shape of the building was particularly suited to preaching and is only found in Scotland.

Stage 8

From the church walk back up to the former hotel building and turn left along the road. Immediately bear left where the road forks. Follow this minor road as it passes a children's play area and then crosses the bottom of the Glen and over the River Ruel on a stone bridge. Pass some farm buildings at Camquhart and continue following the road as it now heads up the glen. After a short while a track leaves to the right with a signed footpath to the main road. Ahead is an old archway gateway. The stage ends here, with a choice of a campsite or a bed and breakfast for accommodation.

Next stage: Glendaruel to Strachur

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