GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle Walk

1 miles (2 km)

Visit this fascinating ruined 15th and 17th century castle and enjoy wonderful views over Loch Awe.
There is a good walking track running from a parking area on the A85 to the castle. It's a lovely flat path with super views of the castle and the loch for the whole way. At the castle you can explore the tower house and courtyard before climbing the keep for wonderful views over Loch Awe. There is also a jetty over the water where there are great views back to the castle. You can return on the same path or along grassy paths by the loch if it is not too wet.
Head a few miles west and you could try the Cruachan Dam and Falls of Cruachan Waterfall Walk.  The impressive hydroelectric dam takes water between Cruachan Reservoir to Loch Awe, a height difference of 396 metres (1,299 ft). In the area you can also visit the Falls of Cruachan and explore the Cruachan Power Station. The Falls of Cruachan railway station is a good way of visiting the area by public transport.

Postcode

PA33 1AF - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

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Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Just to the west there's the Ben Cruachan Inn. The inn is situated in the heart of Lochawe village at the foot of Ben Cruachan and overlooking the loch. They have a fine restaurant and a well stocked bar here.
Head a little further west and you could visit The Hollow Mountain Cafe. There's a good range of meals and snacks which can you enjoy with a wonderful view over Loch Awe. The cafe is located in the Cruachan Visitor Centre and includes a lochside picnic area. Here you can look out for a variety of wildlife including pine martens, ospreys and golden eagles.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just to the north east there's Glen Orchy where there's miles of woodland walking and cycling trails to try. There's also some lovely waterfalls along the River Orchy in this area. To the south of here there's also the noteworthy Ben Lui National Nature Reserve where you'll find some lush mountain vegitation and wonderful views.
Near here you can also pick up the epic West Highland Way at Bridge of Orchy and follow it to the splendid viewpoint at the nearby Loch Tulla on the Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse Walk. The Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy Walk also follows a popular section of the trail south to Tyndrum via the Old Military Road.
To the south there's another lochside castle to see on the Inveraray Castle Walk.
Head west and there's the popular coastal town of Oban to visit. There's a lovely bay and a fine climb to the viewpoint on McCaig's Tower to enjoy here. To the north of the town there's the expansive Loch Creran where you can visit the wildlife rich Shian Woodland Nature Reserve.

Photos

Kilchurn Castle - geograph.org.uk - 967067

Kilchurn Castle. The picturesque ruins of Kilchurn Castle a former Campbell stronghold dating from the C15, is situated on a rocky spit of land at the head of Loch Awe.

Building up steam on Loch Awe - geograph.org.uk - 2259599

Building up steam on Loch Awe

Kilchurn Castle from the boat - geograph.org.uk - 254009

Kilchurn Castle from the boat

Lochside grazing - geograph.org.uk - 891730

Lochside grazing. The land in the foreground is the natural causeway to Kilchurn Castle, from where this picture is taken.

Kilchurn Castle and Loch Awe from the village - geograph.org.uk - 2537025

Kilchurn Castle and Loch Awe from the village

Kilchurn Castle (2) - geograph.org.uk - 967084

Castle view

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)