GPS Cycle and Walking Routescycle iconwalk icon

Cowal Way

57.17 miles (92 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This stunning walk starts at Portavadie on the banks of Loch Fyne and heads to Inveruglas.
The route passes the Kyles of Bute, Loch Ruel and Tighnabruaich before joining the River Ruel for a riverside stretch. You then pass Loch Goil, Arrochar and Loch Long before finishing on west shore of Loch Lomond at Inverugla.

Cowal Way OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Cowal Way Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

At the end of the route you could catch a boat to the opposite side of the water to visit the splendid Inversnaid Falls, the Inversnaid RSPB Nature Trail and Loch Arklet.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Walks page.

Photos

Cowal Way marker post above the Donich Water (geograph 5477451)

Cowal Way marker post above the Donich Water

Beinn Lochain and the Cowal Way - geograph.org.uk - 1217808

A scenic view of Beinn Lochain and the Cowal Way. This image shows a scenic stretch of the Cowal Way (Walk from Portavadie to Inveruglas or Ardgartan) a tour of the highlands in miniature. This picture was taken from Carnach Mor.

Cairn on Cowal Way - geograph.org.uk - 1431261

This cairn close to the saddle between Cnoc Coinnich and The Brack is adorned with a fencepost daubed with white paint to indicate the route of an indistinct path which forms part of the trail.

Deargbruaigh Cottage - geograph.org.uk - 1193590

Deargbruaigh Cottage. Cottage situated on the trail near Portavadie.

Lochgoilhead - geograph.org.uk - 1363001

Lochgoilhead

Strondavon - geograph.org.uk - 1071489

Strondavon. A house beneath the forest in Glendaruel. View across the Garvie Burn from a very icy farm track also used as the Cowal Way.

Bealach an Lochain - geograph.org.uk - 1041436

Bealach an Lochain. Pass between Beinn Lochain and Carnach Mòr linking Lochgoilhead and Strachur. The pass is now promoted as part of the trail. Beinn Lochain in shadow.

Forest road, Strath nan Lùb - geograph.org.uk - 1074980

Snowy scene on the forest road, Strath nan Lùb. Sign of occasional use on the forest road between Glen Branter and Glendaruel.