Loch Lomond & Cowal Way

The Loch Lomond & Cowal Way crosses the Cowal peninsula from the ferry port at Portavadie on the Kintyre coast to Inveruglas on the shores of Loch Lomond. It is one of Scotland's Great Trails and follows a series of historic paths, drove roads and coastal tracks through a peninsula that sees far fewer visitors than neighbouring Loch Lomond.

The route combines sea loch coastline along the Kyles of Bute, remote Highland glens, forest above Dunoon and the dramatic approach to Loch Lomond at the finish. For trail runners it is a two to three day challenge with good variety and the kind of solitude that is increasingly hard to find this close to Glasgow.

Portavadie to Tighnabruaich to Glendaruel: Sea loch coast then into the Cowal glens. The Kyles of Bute views are outstanding.

Glendaruel to Dunoon: Through the Kilmodan and Glenbranter forest areas.

Dunoon to Arrochar to Inveruglas: The final section crosses the Arrochar Alps approaches to reach Loch Lomond.

Start: Portavadie (ferry from Tarbert, Kintyre).

Finish: Inveruglas, Loch Lomond (bus to Arrochar, then bus or train to Glasgow).

See also the Cowal Way entry for identical route information.

Best time: May to September.