CowalFest

12th - 16th September 2024

Cowalfest rebooted and refocused for 2024

Explore the spectacular scenery, rich history and stunning wildlife of the Cowal peninsula in Argyll with one of Scotland's biggest walking festivals.  

The Cowalfest Walking Festival cancelled in 2023 due to the exceptionally wet weather last October, is getting rebooted and refocused for 2024!

The 2024 event will take place from the 12th to 16th September and features a wide range of guided and special interest walks across the Cowal peninsula in Argyll.

You'll find the latest news here as well as details about the programme of walks together with the chance to reserve your spot on one of a number of guided and special interest walks.

For more details and the latest updates please follow the event on Facebook (Cowal Fest 2024), Instagram (@Cowalfest) and X/Twitter (@cowal_fest).

Be sure to check back here as new walks are announced.

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PROGRAMME

The festival features approximately 60 events including 25 core walks and 10 special interest activities.

Some of these events will be free and others will have a small charge.

CATEGORIES 
SEE & DO 01
CORE WALKS
LOVE LOCAL 01
SPECIAL INTEREST

THURSDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER

Walk 1 - An Creachan
An Creachan
Thursday 12th September

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.

Walk Start Point Uig Hall (Approx. 5 miles from Dunoon on A815 signposted on LH side approx 250 yards from the junction with parking 10:30 
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words clearcut.bookings.hairpin
Walk start time 10:30am
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point as start
Walk Distance 6 miles
Walk Duration 4 hours
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No YES (On Lead)
Walk Leader Leonie Fitzgerald
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO 489 Bus to Ardentinny/Benmore 0950 Ferry Terminal 
Walk 2 - Clans, Victorians, Massacres, and Regeneration
Clans, Victorians, Massacres, and Regeneration
Thursday 12th September

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.

Walk Start Point Castle Gardens for 09:50am 489 Bus to Toward Castle
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start time  
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different 09:50am 489 Bus
End Point Castle Gardens/Coal Pier Car Park
Walk Distance 9 miles
Walk Duration 4 to 5 hours
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No Yes (On Lead)
Walk Leader  
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO

Leave vehicles at Dunoon Coal Pier Car Park (Southern End)

Special Interest Walk 101 - Geology Walk
Special Interest 101 - Geology Walk
Thursday 12th September

Join Dr Keith Torrance for a walk across 300 million years of geological history along the foreshore of Innellan, where the Highland Boundary Fault separates the metamorphic rocks of the Highlands from the sedimentary sequences of the Midland Valley. Highlights include a sliver of the ancient Iapetus Ocean, which separated Scotland from England, preserved as a narrow serpentinite belt that parallels the fault zone. Suitable for all ages and interest levels.

Walk Start Point The Old Pier, Innellan (next to the Village Hall)
Post Code  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start Time 10:00am (time to be confirmed due to tides)  
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point Sandy Beach Innellan
Walk Distance 2 miles
Walk Duration 2 hours
Overall Duration  
Dogs YES or NO  
Walk Leader Dr Keith Torrance
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO  

FRIDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER

Walk 3 - Beinn Mhor to Benmore
Beinn Mhor to Benmore
Friday 13th September

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 treeline.  Continue up and around on open hillside to the trig point on Beinn Mhor to enjoy the excellent panoramic views.  Long walk across open moorland, boggy in places, to the ascent up Creachan Beag and

Walk Start Point Benmore Gardens Car Park
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words structure.edits.circling
Walk start time 09:30am
Meeting Place if different 08.30am Castle Gardens Dunoon
End Point Benmore Gardens Car Park
Walk Distance 8 miles
Walk Duration 6 hours
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No  
Walk Leader Roy Falconer
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO  
Walk 4 - Faith in Cowal - St Munn’s pilgrim walk
Faith in Cowal - St Munn’s pilgrim walk
Friday 13th September

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.

Walk Start Point Kilmun Church  (meeting at Dunoon ferry point for bus)
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start time 10:15am
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point Ardentinny Carpark (finishing at Dunoon ferry point after bus trip back)
Walk Distance 9 miles
Walk Duration 4-5 hrs
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No Yes (On Lead)
Walk Leader  
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO

Bus 489 leaves Dunoon Ferry terminal at 09:50 for a 10:15 start Return bus from Ardentinny is at 14:49 or 15:44. 

Special Interest Walk 102 - Glenbranter Trails
Glenbranter Trails
Friday 13th September

An opportunity to explore the trails of Glenbranter in the company of a Forestry and Land Scotland Ranger.  Loosely following the route of the Waterfall Trail, learn about the history of Glenbranter over the years. See (and Hug?) some of the first trees of what was to become the Argyll Forest Park which were planted here in the 1920s. Enjoy the sight and sound of the spectacular waterfalls, all while keeping an eye out for Red Squirrels and other wildlife. The exact route may be adjusted due to winter damage to Bridges and paths.

Walk Start Point

Glenbranter Forest Office. 10am Signposted from A815

Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start time 10:00am
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point Glenbranter Forest Office
Walk Distance 3.5 miles
Walk Duration 2 hours
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No Yes (On Lead)
Walk Leader Steve Gillen FCS
Back Up Support  
Capacity circa 20
Ticket Price £6.50
Transport Yes or NO  
Special Interest Walk 103 - Dunoon of 200 Years Ago
Dunoon of 200 Years Ago
Friday 13th September

Historical Talk Shaped Around Several Paintings and Drawings held by the Castle House Museum Relating to the Dunoon Area

Walk Start Point Castle House Museum
Post Code  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start Time 3:30pm
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point  
Walk Distance  
Walk Duration  
Overall Duration 1 hour
Dogs YES or NO NO
Walk Leader Ewan MacDonald
Back Up Support Castle House Museum
Capacity circa 20
Ticket Price Free
Transport Yes or NO Public Service buses available

SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER

Walk 5 - The Cobbler from Arrochar
The Cobbler from Arrochar
Saturday 14th September

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.

Walk Start Point

Three Villages Hall on A814 Shore Road to Helensburgh  

Arrochar, G83 7BD Carpark fees £5 donation box

Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start time 10:00am
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point

Three Villages Hall on A814 Shore Road to Helensburgh  

Arrochar, G83 7BD Carpark fees £5 donation box

Walk Distance  6 miles
Walk Duration 4.5 - 5.5 hrs
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No NO
Walk Leader Shaun Breen
Back Up Support  
Capacity 15
Ticket Price £8
Transport Yes or NO  
Walk 6 - Kilfinan Castle and Ruins
Kilfinan Castle and Ruins
Saturday 14th September

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.

Walk Start Point Kilfinan Fearnoch Farm near Tighnabruaich
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words reject, value, soaps
Walk start time 11:00am
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point Kilfinan Fearnoch Farm near Tighnabruaich
Walk Distance 3 miles
Walk Duration 2.5 hrs
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No Yes (On Lead)
Walk Leader Sean and Sandra Macewan
Back Up Support  
Capacity circa 20
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO Self transport
Special Interest Walk 104 - Holy Loch Nature Reserve
Holy Loch Nature Reserve
Saturday 14th September

This will be a guided walk across the loch floor to the mouth of the Eachaig River, and then back via the newly-declared nature conservation area and the Holy Loch Nature Reserve. Along the way, I will describe some of the factors that affect how the head of the loch looks today plus some of the 1700 species that make this area their home. Also, work is being undertaken to improve the area for wildlife conservation. 

Please bring wellies as the bottom of the loch is quite soft in places, and waterproofs if rain is forecast. Binoculars are a distinct advantage. The walk includes one large step and a scramble up a short slope. 

 

Walk Start Point Broxwood Car Park and Picnic Site Sandbank (by the bottle banks).
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start time 10:00am
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point Broxwood Car Park and Picnic Site Sandbank 
Walk Distance 1.5 miles
Walk Duration 2 hrs
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No  
Walk Leader  
Back Up Support

Neil Hammatt

Capacity max 10
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO

489 Bus from Dunoon



Special Interest Walk 105 - Creagan Mor (Ardentinny)
Creagan Mor (Ardentinny)
Saturday 14th September

From car park climb steepish path and steps, crossing felled area to reach a good forest road which is followed up steadily for 1.5 miles. Leave the road and climb steep, rough ground to attain a good path up to Am Binnein. From here the path undulates steadily higher to Cruach a Chaise from where it levels off over open boggy ground until the short climb to the trig point on Creachan Mor which is a superb viewpoint. Arguably the best viewpoint, however, is the magnificent panorama of the Clyde on the decent from Cruach a Chaise. On reaching the pylons, an alternative descent is down the often steep hillside to re-join the forest track.

Walk Start Point Shepherds Point Car Park
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start time 10am
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point  
Walk Distance 7 miles
Walk Duration 5 hours
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No NO
Walk Leader Drew Dick
Back Up Support  
Capacity circa 10
Ticket Price £6.50
Transport Yes or NO Public Service Bus 489

SUNDAY 15TH OCTOBER

Walk 7 - Stob an Stob an Eas
Stob an Stob an Eas
Sunday 15th September

There is ample parking at the start of the forest road which is followed up on a good surface to reach the tree line where it becomes boggy in places before it opens out onto the steepening hillside.

A distinct track is followed up beside a burn before leaving this to climb up and across towards numerous crags which are easily navigated. At this stage the view back across Hell's Glen to Cruach Nam Mult can be appreciated and the first glimpses of Loch Goil seen.

More steady climbing over decent ground towards the day's objective, still hidden from view, eventually leads to the final pull to the prominent summit trig point. 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, in particular, are all superb.

The return descent can be varied but is, in general, a retrace of the outbound route.

Walk Start Point Forest Road approx. 1.5 Miles from A815 Junction on B839 Lochgoilhead/Hells Glen Road GR NN16870
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start time  
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point Forest Road approx. 1.5 Miles from A815 Junction on B839 Lochgoilhead/Hells Glen Road GR NN16870
Walk Distance 5.5 miles
Walk Duration 4.5 hrs
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No  
Walk Leader Nigel Scriven
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO  



Walk 8 - Finding a Personal Treasure from Nature
Finding a Personal Treasure from Nature
Sunday 15th September

This walk passes through varied terrain, from riverside to lochside, natural woodland to conifer plantation, and open moorland to our resting place.  From here you have around 30-45 minutes to explore what is around you and bring back something which particularly attracts you. We will then take time to share this experience,  Each person taking around 10 mins to tell their story. Bring food and a drink for lunch.

 

Walk Start Point Benmore Botanic Gardens  Car Park   
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start time  
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point Benmore Botanic Gardens  Car Park   
Walk Distance 5 miles
Walk Duration 3hrs
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No No
Walk Leader Leonie FitzGerald
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO 489 Bus or car from Dunoon.



Special Interest Walk 106 - Artists Walk and Talk
Artists Walk and Talk
Sunday 15th September

This creative session will involve a walk along the shore or beach depending on the tide, progressing with a walk up to Trinity Lane and back down Ferry Lane in Innellan. The walk is led by local artist Scott O'Regan McGowan. The aim will be to join in a discussion centred on ideas of how artists respond to what they see, how they select and observe their surroundings, how what they see can inspire creativity, and possibly engage in some creative writing or poetry. Scott is a lecturer at the World famous Glasgow Art School 

 

Walk Start Point Innellan Sandy Beach Car Park
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words chuck.muted.remarked
Walk start time 11:30am
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point Kilmun Church Car Park
Walk Distance 1.5 miles
Walk Duration 1-2 hours
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No No
Walk Leader Scott McGowan Glasgow Art School
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO  
Special Interest Walk 107 - Kilmun Heritage Walk
Kilmun Heritage Walk
Sunday 15th September

Kilmun Heritage Trail will combine a walk on forest tracks to experience spectacular views of river, loch and mountains, with a return walk along the shore road to learn something of the history of the area, noting various points of interest along the way.

At the end of the walk there is the opportunity to visit the historic St. Munns Church for a guided tour of the Church and the Dukes of Argyll’s Mausoleum. (Entry fee £5 per head). Tea/coffee available (bring a packed lunch)

Parking in front of the Church, plus an hourly bus to and from Dunoon

Walk Start Point Kilmun Church Car Park
Postcode PA23 8SD
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start time 10.30am
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point Kilmun Church Car Park
Walk Distance 2.5 miles
Walk Duration 2-3 hours
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No No
Walk Leader Gillian Bastian
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO  

MONDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER

Walk 9 - Stob Na Boine
Stob Na Boine
Monday 16th September

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.

Walk Start Point Succoth NN 118017
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words nests.locate.scariest
Walk start time  
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point Succoth NN 118017
Walk Distance 6 miles
Walk Duration 6 hours
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No No
Walk Leader Drew Dick/ Roy Falconer
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO Courtesy Bus 8:15am & 15:30pm
Buy Tickets
Walk 10 - Carrick Castle to Ardentinny
Carrick Castle to Ardentinny
Monday 16th September

This linear walk is subject to the 484 Bus Service Operating

This linear walk is mostly undulating through woodland and along lochside forest tracks. Starting with a fairly steep incline through woodland and offering excellent views of Loch Goil and Loch Long. Enjoy a meal break at Knap (Packed lunch) before heading onwards with

Views towards Clyde Estuary: We finish alongside  Ardentinny / Glen Finnart beach take the shore path to the main Village and connect with the 489 bus to Dunoon.

Walk Start Point Dunoon Ferry Terminal Bus Terminus 1054 484 Bus to Carrick Castle  
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start time  
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point Ardentinny Bus Terminus Hourly 489 Bus to Dunoon
Walk Distance 5 miles
Walk Duration 3hrs 
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No Yes (on Lead)
Walk Leader Agnes Harvey
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO

Note if 484 Bus not running a circular walk will be arranged using 489 Bus Service 

Buy Tickets
Special Event 108 - Nature Talk
Nature Talk
Monday 16th September

Enjoy an informative talk from local expert Nigel Scriven. The talk will be aimed at all ages and interests.

Walk Start Point Queens Hall Meeting Room
Post Code  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start Time 1.30pm
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point  
Walk Distance  
Walk Duration  
Overall Duration 1.5 hrs
Dogs YES or NO No
Walk Leader  
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO Public Service buses available
Buy Tickets
Special Interest Walk 109 - Foragers Walk
Foragers Walk
Monday 16th September

Introduction to the foraging process, followed by a foraging walk for fruits and foliage of wild plants, trees and fungi.  Easy walking, with a risk of scratches, long undergrowth etc during the harvesting process – bring gloves and wear long sleeves. Foraging tools (secateurs, scissors, harvesting bag etc) are provided. A camera/mobile phone is useful to record plants for future identification Returning to Corlarach Car Park then back to Dunoon to record the harvest through art, flower pressing etc. Art materials provided. The harvest is the basis for our shared lunch. Leonie to carry out any cooking.

 

Walk Start Point West Bay Glenmorag Car park opposite Play park  
Postcode  
OS Map Ref  
What 3 Words  
Walk start time 09:30am
Meeting Place if different  
Meeting time if different  
End Point Dunoon Town
Walk Distance 2-3 miles
Walk Duration 2 ½ hours, followed by 2 hours for recording and lunch
Overall Duration  
Dogs Yes or No Yes
Walk Leader Leonie FitzGerald
Back Up Support  
Capacity  
Ticket Price  
Transport Yes or NO Will be confirmed later.



Buy Tickets
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