LL&C Way: Glendaruel to Strachur

Summary

This third section of the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way continues up Glendaruel before joining tracks up by the Garvie Burn over open moorland and through forestry plantations up Strath nan Lub. The route then descends into Glen Branter with some attractive waterfalls before finally a quiet back road leads on to Strachur.

Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation

Grade

Bog Factor

2.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Minor road, short section on main road verge, then forestry tracks and paths, finishing with another minor road.

Getting there

Start

Beside old gateway arch at NR998866 on back road through Glendaruel.

Public Transport

Infrequent buses run along the main Glendaruel road.

Start Grid Ref

NR998866

Open in Google Maps

Walk Statistics

Distance: 25.5km / 15.75 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 462m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorers 362 and OL37

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

Want to sponsor this route?

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

The stage begins from the gateway arch beside the back road through Glendaruel at NR998866; there is a campsite and bed and breakfast nearby. Walk north along the road, ignoring a path to the left which leads to Lochan Chuilceachan. The stone walls for the walled gardens which once belonged to Glendaruel House, with the remains of old glasshouses can be seen on the right. Just a little way further on, the fortified burial ground of Dùn an Òir can be seen on a mound surrounded by trees in a field to the right of the road. Continue along the road which turns a sharp right and passes Achanelid Farm. Eventually the road crosses a stone bridge over the Kilbridemore Burn. After a short distance, the minor road emerges onto the A866.

Stage 2

Turn right and follow the main road verge for around 700m until Garvie Farmhouse is passed on the left. Immediately after the farmhouse turn left onto the Garvie Farm track behind the farmhouse. The route bypasses the farmyard by going through the gate just to the right and then through the next gate to access the track. The track climbs steadily uphill through cattle and sheep grazing land.

Stage 3

Go through a gate and follow the clear track as it winds across the hillside with the Garvie Burn down on the left. As it climbs ignore a track coming in from the right and continue straight ahead. A little further on a short track leads down to the left, stay on the main track and cross a burn on a concrete bridge. Eventually a stile and gate are reached, go through the gate and continue on the track which passes a waterfall on the left which is partly obscured by the trees.

Stage 4

This section is mainly in forestry, although recent felling means the area to the left of the track is often clear giving better views down over the burn. 2 km after the stile, a crossroads is reached. Do not cross the bridge but continue straight ahead. When a track joins from the left keep straight ahead with pine trees of different ages on both sides of the track now. After climbing to the highest point, the track starts to descend gently, ignore a track from the left and follow the main track which makes a sharp curve round to the left at one point and then a curves back right.

Stage 5

Eventually the trees get bigger with any views over Glen Branter to the left now obscured. Look out for a sharp waymarked turn to the left onto a mossy track. Follow the track gently downhill through tall pines. When the ground levels off look out for a narrow path turning to the right through the trees. The path leads steeply downhill through the trees bearing left and then right before emerging at the Glenbranter waterfalls walk where there is a fence. Turn left to follow the path down steps and across a bridge with a good view of the rocks and cascades on the Allt Robuic.

Stage 6

Follow the built walkway as it climbs steps and crosses the steep side of Glen Branter with a couple of little bridges, a viewing area, and fencing to keep you on the path. At a junction ignore steps up to a track and fork right to stay on the path signed for the Ritual Grove disabled car park. This heads downhill and down a flight of steps to emerge onto a track, turn left to pass the car park and follow the track bearing left to pass a group of cottages.

Stage 7

The track runs alongside the river and then meets another track from the left. Keep right following the river; after a short distance ignore the stone bridge on the right, keeping on the main track which becomes a road. This passes the Glenbranter Information Centre (toilets) on the left. Follow the road as it passes to the left of the forestry houses. When a t-junction with a larger road is met at Bridgend, turn left.

Stage 8

Follow this minor road for 4 km until it meets the A815; this is the end of this section of the Cowal Way. The Way continues straight ahead onto another minor road towards Upper Succoth, but the village of Strachur with shop and accommodation is off to the left; the centre can be reached by going ahead and then turning left through housing.

Next stage: Strachur to Lochgoilhead

Route Profile

Where to stay

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?