CowalFest

From the car park it is a pleasant walk by the riverside to Corarsik, then a climb up the rough and often steep path, through the fir trees to the top of the tree line and up to, and around, Am Binnban to attain the main route to the summit. This undulating climb over an open hillside is quite straightforward and leads to a short pull to the trig point on the sprawling summit from where the viewing is very rewarding.  The descent from the summit ridge is down a rough and fairly steep hillside and then along a well-defined river path to Corarsik, then retracing the route to Uig Hall.

We meet at the Castle Gardens at 09:30am for Bus transport to visit Toward Castle ruins to learn the history of ancient Clan rivalry, and Massacre. A steep woodland walk unveils a Victorian keep and ornamental Chinese Lakes to enjoy a short break. The next stage absorbs the flora, fauna, and spectacular views following the River Clyde coast from Bute, Ayrshire, and Arran forward up to Glasgow, Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. Our final stage descends through the Bullwood Forest and Bishops Glen Reservoir exploring the regeneration of Dunoon as an outdoor sports activity centre, before returning to the Coal Pier.

A flat walk along Glen Massan is followed by a steep climb on the rough track up through the forest to the top of the tree line.  Continue up and around the open hillside to the trig point on Beinn Mhor to enjoy the excellent panoramic views. A long walk across open moorland, boggy in places, to the ascent up Creachan Beag and then A’Chruach before steepish descent on a narrow path to Benmore car park.

The walk starts from Kilmun Historical Church, the walk follows the Forest road along the back of Kilmun, Strone and Blairmore.  There are spectacular views down the Firth of Clyde, with the Great Cumbrae Island in the distance.  The trail takes us through Blairmore Farm, to Gairletter then through Stronchullin Farm, here there are views up Loch Long, and opposite Rosneath Penninsular.  Ending up at Ardentinny car park.

The Cobbler Hill path is more than pleasant walk to Narnairn Boulders. Then climbing a steeper section-maintained path to the summit via the tourist route. The views are out to the Firth of Clyde, Ben Lomond and to Cowal.

A challenging circular walk, fairly flat, over rough ground, to the historic medieval Kilfinan Castle Ruins and Cairn (aka MacEwans Castle): located on a rocky promontory at the East End of beautiful Kilfinan Bay on the shores of Loch Fyne. Your walk will be guided by a member of the Clan Macewan Society and will include an informative talk on the history and heritage surrounding the castle.

There is ample parking at the start of the forest road which is followed, becoming a quadbike track until there is a gap in the trees beside a burn leading up to the forest edge. The ascent is a rising traverse up the west slopes, steep in places with views back across Hell's Glen to Cruach Nam Mult and glimpses of Loch Goil. More steady climbing towards the day's objective, still hidden from view, eventually leads to the final pull to the prominent summit trig point at the end of the easy ridge.

From here the magnificent panoramic view is a very fine reward for the day's effort. The Arrochar hills, Loch Goil, Loch Fyne and Inveraray, can be superb. The return descent can be varied, depending on the group and weather but leads back to the gap in the trees to retrace the outbound route.

This walk involves mostly gentle gradients and includes some marvellous elevated sections with wonderful views south over Bute towards Arran, as well as the Cumbrae Islands. More immediately to the west are Loch Striven and the Kyles of Bute,  and on the return route we will visit the now overgrown Chinese Lakes, above Castle Toward. The route is mostly on good paths, with one short but very pleasant section on a track.

This walk takes about 2 hours, and starts from Ardyne car-park, about a mile N of Toward Sailing  Club, turning right, then immediately left just beyond Ardyne Farm.

Turn off main A815 at Strachur up a small side road signposted Succoth. Start on track through Succothmore Farm, often muddy, and follow this for 1.5 miles prior to climbing steadily beside a burn and through a small outcrop of fir trees.  Then it is a steady walk and climb across the open hillside to the rocky summit of Stob Na Boine to enjoy fine views, particularly of Lochgoilhead.

The return journey is made via the crash site of the US Airforce B29 bomber tragically lost in 1949.  From here to journey back follows the outbound route.

A pleasant walk which is mostly undulating through woodland and along lochside forest tracks returning by the same route.

Please bring a packed lunch and there are toilet facilities at Ardentinny & Carrick.