Glen Loin and Coiregrograin, Arrochar

This straightforward but long circuit runs through the glens and corries to the north of Arrochar. It offers fine views throughout of the peaks of the Arrochar Alps.

Terrain

Excellent path or track throughout; long with some ascents

Public Transport

Bus to Arrochar or Tarbet; train to Tarbet.

Start

Loch Long car park, Arrochar (charge). Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park in the main Loch Long car park in Arrochar; there is a charge. Begin the walk by heading up to the pavement by the main road and turning left along it. Just before it crosses a bridge over the Loin Water, turn right onto a track heading upstream, marked with a Forest Walks and Cowal Way. Before reaching the farm turn right onto a well-constructed path, marked as the Cowal Way. This soon swings left; ignore a path off to the right that leads to the Arrochar-Tarbet link path. The path now heads up the glen beneath the telegraph wires, at first just above the farm track and then joining with it. There are good views of Beinn Narnain and A'Chrois to the left.

Stage 2

At the end of the flat section of Glen Loin the path crosses a small wooden footbridge and begins to climb the broken slopes, still beneath the pylons. The southern end of Ben Vorlich is visible ahead whilst there is forestry over to each side but the views remain open. Pass through a gate to reach the highest point on this section beside some outcropping rocks. The path now runs beside the trees on the left before curving into and running along a firebreak.

Stage 3

Soon follow the main path to the right to reach and cross a bridge over the Inveruglas Water. On the far side take the track that leads up a private tarmac road running along the glen; turn left onto this. The steep mountain visible ahead now is Ben Vane, with Ben Vorlich over to the right.

Stage 4

Looking back down the road there are good views of Ben Lomond, looking quite pointed from this direction. At the fork take the left hand track, heading across the bridge; the Loch Sloy dam can be seen further up the glen on the right. The dam was built as part of the Inveruglas power station and is reason there are so many electricity pylons in this area. Continue along the track, ignoring the very rough path for Ben Vane that heads off just before a bridge over a tiny burn.

Stage 5

Continue on the track which descends slightly before beginning a long, slow climb up the east side of Coiregrograin. A'Chrois looks very fine across to the left whilst the view up the glen is closed by the Munros of Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ìme. The highest point on the walk is reached where the track crosses a sluice gate below a cascading burn. From here the track heads downhill, passing through a gate and running through the forest.

Stage 6

Before reaching a small dam take a left turn onto a much rougher track. This crosses the (usually dry) bed of the burn before climbing up to the far side of the dam where the surface improves. The route now turns and begins to descend this far side of Coiregrogain across the lower slopes of A'Chrois. The summit of Ben Vane looks terrifically rocky from here too before the track heads through a denser section of forest.

Stage 7

The track bends to the right to begin the journey back down Glen Loin, high on the east side - the outward route can be seen below by the pylons. There are fabulous views of Ben Lomond on this section, and, further on, a look along the length of Loch Long with the Trident nuclear submarine base at Coulport visible.

Stage 8

The route passes high above Succoth before reaching a junction; turn sharply left here to descend to the floor of Glen Loin. From the junction at the forest edge take the track that heads directly out of the trees into the glen. It soon turns right and leads to the small hamlet of Succoth. When it reaches a T junction take the left hand turning towards a further group of houses. A path leaves this road to cut across towards the Arrochar car park, crossing a small footbridge before reaching the A83. Cross the road and take the path on the far side, crossing another footbridge, to return to the start.

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