| Distance (km) | Ascent (metres) | Number of days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92 | 1810 | 4 - 5 | |
| Start: Portavadie, Loch Fyne | Finish: Inveruglas, Loch Lomond | ||
|
Linked to other Scotland’s Great Trail(s): Kintyre Way Three Lochs Way West Highland Way |
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Route type/direction
Linear, between Portavadie and Inveruglas. Starting from Portavadie puts the prevailing (south-westerly) winds behind you, but the trail can be traversed in either direction.
Overview
The 57-mile long route across the Cowal peninsula passes through five small villages on its way to Loch Lomond: Tighnabruaich, Glendaruel, Strachur, Lochgoilhead, and Arrochar. Starting from Portavadie, the experience includes the lovely Kyles of Bute, tranquil scenery in Glendaruel, secluded forest walking, panoramic views over the Clyde coast from open hillside and the spectacular heights of the Arrochar Alps. Reaching Invergulas on Loch Lomond may be your terminus, or perhaps you will have the chance to cross Loch Lomond by water bus (in season). The route is known as “Scotland in 57 miles” because of the variety and splendour of its scenery. Formerly known as the Cowal Way, in November 2018 its name was extended to Loch Lomond & Cowal Way, reflecting the fact that 50% of it runs within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.
Highlights
- wildlife sightings including seals, deer, red squirrels and golden eagles
- constant variety in its views and terrain
- clan histories and prehistoric sites
- quiet and remote, yet easily accessible from central Scotland
- fully waymarked and well connected with other trails
- friendly and helpful local people
Be aware
- over the highest section (2 km stretch), visibility can be poor in bad weather/low cloud
- some sections include tarmac roads, albeit very quiet roads used mainly by local farmers
- as of 2019, there is a lack of eating and drinking facilities in Glendaruel
The challenge
The route is fully waymarked, and many sections of the path have recently been upgraded. About £750,000 will have been invested in the route (2015-18) to improve the consumer experience. The path is suitable for both inexperienced and advanced walkers and mountain bikers. Its proximity to the West Highland Way creates a popular combination. Small parts of the hill sections can be challenging underfoot, in wet weather. The northern section of the path has three hills to climb, rising successively to 360, 350 and 500 m (1180, 1150 and 1640 ft).
Accommodation
The Loch Lomond & Cowal Way has almost 100 businesses and attractions to choose from. However, many are seasonal (open April to October) and all can be very busy during the summer season. There is a good choice of hotels, B&Bs, caravan & campsites and areas for wild camping. The official website lists them by village: Portavadie, Tighnabruaich, Glendaruel, Strachur, Lochgoilhead, Arrochar, Inveruglas.
Wild camping is legally allowed in Scotland if practised responsibly under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Support services
If you just need baggage transfer, contact Balliemeanoch Baggage as below. Contours Holidays is the only company that offers full support (accommodation booking and baggage transfer) and currently they do so on a bespoke basis only, so contact them direct.
Guided tours can be also arranged by emailing the Loch Lomond & Cowal Way management.
Public transport
For detailed travel information visit the official website page. In outline, you can return from Inveruglas by Scottish Citylink bus to Glasgow (Buchanan Bus Station) but the buses are not very frequent (journey time about 75 minutes). The Inveruglas stop is called Loch Sloy Power Station.
For Portavadie, you must first reach Dunoon, either by the frequent Glasgow to Gourock train service and a 20-minute ferry (Argyll Ferries) to Dunoon, or else by McGills bus from Glasgow to Dunoon (bus ticket includes the ferry crossing). From Dunoon, take a West Coast Motors bus (478) from Dunoon pier to Portavadie (journey time an hour or more, departure times vary according to school holidays).
For details, visit Traveline Scotland, or, for the entire UK, Traveline. For travel from anywhere to anywhere, try Rome2Rio.