Kyles of Bute

Summary

The Kyles of Bute is one of the most stunning areas of coastal scenery in Argyll. This linear walk, part of the Cowal Way, runs along a beautiful coastal track before reaching an adventurous but exciting section of path that threads a route between boulders, over walkways and rough ground. If arranging return transport is difficult, it may be possibleto catch a bus from the A8003 at the far end of the walk to get back to Tighnabruaich - or you could double the length and time given by returning the same way.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Minor road, track then rugged path.

Getting there

Start

Tighnabruaich village centre.

Public Transport

Infrequent bus service between Tighnabruaich and Glendaruel. .

Start Grid Ref

NR979728

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9km / 5.5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 150m (Profile)

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Explorer 362 - Cowal West

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

From the centre of Tighnabruaich follow the coastal road, passing the shops, post office, cafe and hotel 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 then end of the public road.

Stage 2

Continue on the well surfaced track ahead, this skirts the edge of the water. 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 and pass a waterfall. At a second junction ahead, ignoring the track off to the left.

Stage 3

Eventually a small white lighthouse comes into view with Eilean Dubh just behind it. Follow the track around the bay, ignoring the path off to the Lily Pond. When the track starts to climb uphill past the buildings and area known as The Pheasantry, keep on the main track ignoring a path to the left and a track to the right which leads down to the houses.

Stage 4

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 slightly earlier at the edge of the trees. The path - wet in places - weaves through the trees, rhododendrons and mossy boulders.

Stage 5

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 6

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 path bears right to emerge at the gateway to the lodge. Unless you have arranged a car to meet you at the parking area a short distance further, or are walking back the same way, follow the road to the left around the bay passing a chalet and cottage. This quiet road, at the water's edge, comes as a welcome relief from the battle of the previous section. It leads back to the A8003 at a t-junction; it may be possible to catch one of the infrequent buses from here to return to Tighnabruaich.

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