The Brack and Cnoc Còinnich , Ardgartan

Summary

The Brack gives a steep ascent with great character, conveniently climbed in combination with Cnoc Còinnich , a recent addition to the ranks of the Corbetts. Both hills have a fine position above Loch Long. There is some pathless, rugged ground particularly on the descent from the Brack. The route joins the Cowal Way for the return to Ardgartan.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Rugged going: steep hill path for the ascent of the Brack; some pathless ground on the descent. Cnoc Còinnich is mostly pathless but straightforward.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Ardgartan Visitor Centre.

Public Transport

Bus to Ardgartan.

Start Grid Ref

NN269037

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.5km / 9.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 7.5 hours
Ascent: 1086m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: The Brack
Corbett: Cnoc Còinnich

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Walk Description

User reports (30)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the Ardgartan forestry visitor centre (the centre is now closed but toilets are open). There is parking here, and further parking over the bridge and round to the right to a car park at the back. Start the walk up the forest track signed as the Cat Craig Loop (North). There is a gradual ascent with views to the south peak of the Cobbler. After 1 km, the craggy North face of the Brack comes into view.

Stage 2

After 200m further the track swings left to a junction with a higher track. Turn right along this track for 200m, until a footpath sign indicates the start of the path up the Brack. This path is very steep - almost a scramble at first - but gains height quickly. Higher up a stile is crossed and the path leaves the forest. Continue uphill; the route crosses a burn and the path becomes less clear and wet in places.

Stage 3

Keep left of the high crags to head up a very wide grassy rake that leads up to the southeast shoulder of the mountain where there is a small, attractive lochan. From here there are views to Loch Long and across to Glen Douglas and beyond.

Stage 4

From the lochan a path winds up through the crags to make the final ascent to the OS trig pillar marking the summit of the Brack. The Cobbler is well seen, as are Beinn Narnain, Ben Lomond and the mountains beyond.

Stage 5

The quickest return is to retrace your steps, but it is possible to make a circuit and descend via the Coilessan glen. Head WNW down the grassy ridge which is pathless. There are a few steep sections and one craggy bluff but it is possible to find a way through on grass.

Stage 6

There is a flatter section before a final craggy knoll from which it is possible with care to find a way down to a fence with a gate. Continue beyond this to reach the Cowal Way at a cairn. From here the descent route heads left, but to include Cnoc Còinnich in the day first turn right along the Cowal Way. The going is very boggy across the moorland but marked with a series of white posts, gaining a little height as it heads WSW. Near the highest point leave the Way and instead cross pathless ground to head up the north ridge of Cnoc Còinnich .

Stage 7

There are some crags on the left side of the ridge but the slopes are gentller on the right. Eventually the tiny summit cairn is reached. The summit of Cnoc Còinnich is a splendid one, with great views both over the head of Loch Long to the Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond, and looking down the loch to the Firth of Clyde and beyond.

Stage 8

Retrace your steps back down the ridge to rejoin the Cowal Way, and back along this ENE to the cairn where it was first reached from the Brack. Continue down the Cowal Way to a gate and stile which give access into the conifer platnation. A steep path now descends first through the trees and then a felled section, crossing two footbridges before joining a forestry track. Continue straight down the track; when it forks, take the main right hand branch.

Stage 9

There are views to Doune Hill on the far side of Loch Long and its prominent little satellite peak of Cruach an t-Sidhein. Keep straight ahead on the main track after it crosses a small bridge; the branch here is part of a cycle route. Continue down the track to reach a t-junction, and turn left. Further on another cycle route joins in from the right and the track becomes a surfaced minor road. Continue along the road for two and a half kilometres, with good views of the steep South Peak of The Cobbler in the later stages. Part way along it is possible to turn right to follow the Cowal Way as it uses the blue-waymarked Ardgartan shore walk - recommended and it doesn't require much extra energy. Both the road and the shore walk lead eventually back to the Ardgartan Visitor Centre.

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