The Cowal Way (2019)

  •   Category Weight
  • Pack
    1170 g
  • Shelter
    2135 g
  • Sleep
    2085 g
  • Cookware
    386 g
  • Technology
    1300 g
  • Pack Clothing
    1760 g
  • Health & Hygene
    360 g
  • Booze. Food. Fuel.
    3545 g
  • Total 12741
    g
    • oz
    • lb
    • g
    • kg
  • Consumable 3545 g
  • Base Weight 9196 g

THE LOCH LOMOND & COWAL WAY

by Marty_JG

Care-servant of Her Royal Madness Pixie Poo

Established as a Year 2000 millennium project to attract walkers and hikers into an underappreciated area, this 55 mile walk along the Cowal peninsula is considered one of Scotland's most scenic: rich in wildlife from eagles to red squirrels; and varied in natural features including forests, waterfalls, gorges, shores of sea-lochs, and hill-passes. It is peppered with ruins, castles, ancient sites & history from (unlikely) graves of Viking kings to (actually) inspiring the creation of Sherlock Holmes, as well as the ruins of ancient villages and the monoliths of even more ancient cultures.

The route, in the traditional direction, begins at the south-west at the pier in Portavadie and continues in stages though Tighnabruaich, Glendaruel, Strachur, Lochgoilhead, and Arrochar, ending at Inveruglas on the shores of Loch Lomond. The route boasts an ever-improving path and signposts at regular intervals but it is feasible to create a parallel, rougher hill-route; though the area is relatively remote and quiet it is not 'wild'. From Inveruglas one can continue north along the famous West Highland Way forming a more interesting route than the traditional start in Milngavie.

In 2016 it was awarded Scottish Great Trail status.

The official leaflet also shows the ferry crossing; from easily-accessed Gouroch, to Dunoon, from there a bus service runs to Portavadie.

Official Leaflet!

ROUTE STATISTICS

  • Length 90 km (55 miles)
  • Total Ascent 1800 m (5900 feet)
  • Max Elevation 530 m (1740 feet)

Route Elevation

Route Elevation

OTHER ROUTE CONSIDERATIONS

SCOTTISH MOUNTAIN TERMINOLOGY

In addition to requiring 500 feet of ascent on all sides:

  • Munro (mountain over 3000 feet)
  • Corbett (mountain 2500-3000 feet)
  • Graham (mountain 2000-2500 feet)
  • Hugh ("Hill Under Graham Height")

Along the south of the peninsular is a Corbett, 6 Grahams and 10 Hughs. To visit them all would require a substantial trip and to abandon the route; however, the mentioned Corbett, Beinn Bheula, is adjacent and noted for its beauty and views of the area. Weather permitting it'll be bagged.

ADDITION OF BEINN BHEULA

  • Add 5 km (3 miles)
  • Additional Ascent 550 m (1800 feet)
  • Max Elevation 779 m (2555 feet)

Bheula Detour

The northern section of the walk passes the Arrochar Alps featuring several Munros and other mountains and hills, but is most famous for the striking Corbett known as The Cobbler. This is an area I visit regularly and so do not need to explore, but dependent on time and weather I might do a partial ascent of the Munro Beinn Narnain to camp between Creag an Fhithich (Raven's Rock) and the Cruach nam Miseag (My Stacks??). Knowing the terrain, a southerly summit attempt with full camping gear is not tempting.

ADDITION OF BEINN NARNAIN CAMP

  • Add 5 km (3 miles)
  • Additional Ascent 600 m (1970 feet)
  • Max Elevation 700 m (2300 feet)

Arrochar Detour

PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO START

  • ScotRail train from Glasgow Central to Gourock
  • CalMac ferry from Gourock to Dunoon
  • West Coast Motors bus 478 from Dunoon to Portavadie

PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM FINISH

  • Road hike 3 miles (5 km) from Inveruglas to Arrochar & Tarbet
  • ScotRail train from Arrochar & Tarbet to Glasgow Central

LINKS

Official Website

Wikipedia Overview

Route on WALK HIGHLANDS

Interview with James McLuckie, route founder

KIT LIST