Cowalfest on the comeback trails

Cowalfest, one of Scotland’s most popular walking festivals prior to the pandemic, makes a welcome return in October 2023 (12th to 16th) with a five-day format encompassing over 25 guided, core walks around Cowal in Argyll & Bute.

The programme of events for this year’s festival is being expanded to include more opportunities to support families and young people resulting in up to 30 further events.

The event, first held in 2003, attracts hundreds of walkers to the spectacular Cowal peninsulas, just an hour or so from Glasgow, however the Covid19 outbreak resulted in a three-year hiatus. Organisers are now eager to re-establish Cowalfest as a permanent fixture in the walking calendar yet again.

Committee chair Agnes Harvey commented: “We are hoping to make the 2023 Cowalfest one of our best ever! We’re also planning a bespoke programme aimed at the younger generation. We are liaising with schools and community groups to get this organised.

“Cowalfest gives walkers the chance to explore the many footpaths and trails that criss cross Cowal, taking in some incredible views and fascinating historical landmarks such as those found on the Faith in Cowal and ECHO Trails.

“We are already in the process of putting posters up around the region and will be launching a website very shortly that will allow walkers to book places on their chosen routes. In the meantime, we’d encourage anyone interested in Cowalfest to follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates.

“The mental health benefits of getting out and about into nature with fellow, likeminded, friendly walkers are clear and we hope to welcome many new faces to our wonderful corner of Argyll,” added Agnes.

Ciorsdan Fagan, the Cowal Community Engagement Agent for the Argyll & the Isles Tourism Cooperative Ltd (AITC), commented: “Cowalfest was firmly established in the calendar before Covid19 as one of the biggest and best walking festivals in Scotland. AITC is delighted to see it back and we look forward to following developments closely over the coming months.”

For more details please follow Cowalfest on Facebook (Cowalfest 2023), Twitter (@Cowal_fest) and Instagram (@cowalfest).