CowalFest

Setting out from Cairndow, this is a circular walk, fairly flat on gravel tracks from car park to Cairndow village, with lovely views up Loch Fyne. Very short steeper stretch on return leg when we walk along the road past the historic Cairndow Church and complete a loop past Ardkinglas House along the Loch. Return the same way through Cairndow. This walk incorporates part of the Cowal Pilgrimage Trail. Food available to purchase at the Tree Shop cafe.

A short walk to Blairmore High Road then heading north along the forestry road to the top of the golf course before climbing up the, often boggy, rough path to the trig point (snack break). Descend the same route but head down and over the golf course before rejoining the High Road for walk back. Good tearoom stop at the finish.

We cross the road and follow short climb to good forest track, turn left and follow track for 2 miles before forking right and climbing gradually to treeline. Follow track, initially very steep, beside burn up Drynain Glen. Take right-hand fork at top and continue a meandering climb over rough boggy ground to reach the small summit of Castle Craig with its fine views across Glen Finnart and Loch Long. Leave summit and head over Tom aBhothian and on to Sligrachan Hill. Descend the steepening and in places muddy hillside up a track which rejoins the outward route back to the start.

A strenuous hill walk, crossing the road we follow a good track to a Telecom Mast. Then head up and across a steepening hillside on faint paths to reach a stone dyke leading to open moorland. We will bear south and climb the grassy slope to A'Cruach - a very pleasant destination providing rewarding views down the length of Loch Striven. Descend to the path by the dyke for the easy walk out

This is a gentle heritage walk which explores the incredible grounds of the old Royal Hotel (now demolished) which was once regarded as the 'Pride of the Clyde'. Inpiring Innellan, a local community group, has transformed the area into an open space which can be enjoyed by all ages. An abundance of wildlife can be found and there are now lovely elevated views over the River Clyde. Refreshments in the Village Hall are included in this walk and this location ties in with local bus service (Route 489).

Learn about the area's historical connection with Clan Lamont. Your journey starts at the second Knockdow gatehouse on the A815 beyond Toward, the good road climbs gently and offers excellent views across to the islands of Bute and Arran. Progressing through the top gate, join the forest track for an undulating walk to the Old Manse at Inverchaolin, now the Clan Lamont HQ to enjoy the 'soup and sandwich' hospitality of provided by the walk leader; and a short tour of the museum before making the return along the shores of Loch Striven.

We meet at 9.30am at the Castle Gardens, Dunoon, for transport (9.50am 489 service bus) to visit Toward Castle ruins to learn 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, and 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 Castle Gardens.

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 Great Cumbrae island in the distance. The trail takes us through Blairmore Farm, to Gariletter, then through Stronchuillin Farm, here there are views up Loch Long and opposite Rosneath Penninsular, ending up at Ardentinny car park. Packed lunch essential.

A flat walk along Glen Massan is followed by a steep climb on rough track up through forest to top of treeline. Continue up and around on open hillside to the trig point on Beinn Mhor (741m) to enjoy the excellent panoramic views. Long walk across open moorland, boggy in places, to the ascent up Creachan Beag and then A Chruach (557m) before steepish descent on narrow path to Benmore Gardens car park.

An informative and captivating short historical walk around 'Old Dunoon' centred on the Castle and High Kirk. The walk will begin at Dunoon Pier, on up through Castle Gardens, taking in the High Kirk and Church graveyard finishing at Castle House Museum.

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 if you choose) 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, while keeping an eye out for Red Squirrels and other wildlife.

An easy flat walk along the Victorian village, tells the story of the development of Innellan and of some of the characters who shaped it. From it's earliest beginnings through being a farming community; it became one of the wealthiest holiday resorts in Scotland. In the process the lifestyles of the people who had lived in Innellan for centuries were changed, and the village as it now is, began to take shape

Glenan Wood is a wonderful part of the old Atlantic Temparate Rainforest, which has beautiful old sessile oak trees and rare lichens, fungi and mosses. The walk will start along the shoreline, with some clambering around rocks, and then head up to the old abandoned village, returning by a different and higher path. It is likely to be muddy underfoot, so come prepared! The wood is now owned by the community, and manged by the Friends of Glenan Wood, who try to remove invasive species and also try to exclude deer, which all presents a threat to the wood.

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.

We start from the car park with a pleasant walk by riverside to Corarsik, then start our climb yp 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 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 back to Uig Hall.

An elevated walk giving spectacular views of the Glendaruel Valley. This walk is on a combination of forestry paths and very quiet rural public road. Approx. 200 yards will be on a main road. We ascend through Ormidale Forest to an elevated position above Glendaruel. We pass through a mixture of natural ann conifer forest. We then cross to a very quiet public C class road for a spiral descent back to Glendaruel Village.

Stepping out on Argyll's Secret Coast, we take a gentle sociable walk along the single-track shores of Loch Fyne and the Kyles of Bute, embracing the tranquil surroundings of Colintraive with beautiful views across to the Island of Bute. Our walk will take us to the 19th Century church, a visit to the local Heritage Centre and to the delightful Community Gardens. This is a linear walk with spectactular and differing views in both directions. Refreshments available at the Colintraive Hotel.

An opportunity to compare the genuinely old Toward Castle (ruins) with the nineteenth century mansion house of Castle Toward both of which are situated in the grounds of Castle Toward. Both have fascinating tales to tell and will be of interest to photographers and those with an interest in local history. Boots and waterporoofs recommended.

From car park, we cross the road and up the track before crossing a fence and heading up rough open hillside and continue up various, boggy paths to reach Tom Nnan Gamhna and its short climb. Once across, there is a long walk across moorland prior to another climb and an undulating walk to the foot of our destination which is gained via a steep climb, with no difficulties and a walk to the small summit trig point. Excellent views of Loch Long and the Arrochar Alps. Descent is by the long western slope to join the Cowal Way for the walk back to the car park.

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 is guided by a member of the Clan MacEwen Society who will include an informative talk of the history and heritage surrounding the castle.

A leisurely walk on Forest tracks above the East side of Loch Eck. We will have nice views of the loch itself at various stages. The walk will finish on the single track public road to Ardentinny where we will descend approx 500 yards to the 16th century Whistlefield Coaching Inn offering a choice of refreshments

From the car park, we cross the grass area and join the steep path that zigzags its way up and across beneath Creag Bhaog passing the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee monument and stopping to admire the excellent view from the picnic table at the top. The gradual descent following the good forestry track up and around Aut Robuic Falls before ascebding to the short walk back to the car park.

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 (bring packed lunch) before heading onwards with views towards the Clyde estuary; ending alongside Ardentinny beach and shore path. A linear walk with transport arranged from Dunoon (via Ardentinny) to walk start. Service bus on return from Ardentinny to Dunoon.

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 open hillside to the rocky summit of Stob Na Boine to enjoy fine views, particularly of Lochgoilhead. The return journey is made via the WW11 crash site of the US Airforce B29 bomber tragically lost in 1949. From here the journey back follows the outbound route.

Starting at Ardyne Forest, we ascend through forestry tracks, to the Chinese Lakes, with views of Isle of Bute. Descend, visiting a ruined octaganol tower. Explore ruined, historic, medieval, Toward Castle. Complete the Right of Way to the east gate. Take the southern path through Toward Castle estate. Visit Toward Quay a training site for amphibious landings in WW11. Return past Castle Toward Mansion which, during WW11, was HMS Brontosaurus. Gradients are not steep but are long and sections of the path are uneven and may be muddy. The walk will be a leisurely one with brief stops at points of interest and a longer stop to have your snacks and explore the ruined castle.

The climb begins almost immediately from the start, initially up a good track to the foot of Carnach Mor which is then climbed up its open hillside to attain the days first panaroma. From here its down and across undulating open hillside before the pull up to Caisteal Dubhh, from here superb views, especially over Loch Goil, are enjoyed. Before heading down a narrow, defined path and across rough ground to climb Ceangarbh. This broad summit gives magnificent views down Loch Eck. Leaving here it's a steady descent over rough hillside before the final short descent to Beinn Dubahn's commanding position over Glenbranter. The final descent leads back to the original track for the walkout.

A combined walk on forest tracks to experience spectacular views of river, lochs 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 an optional extra opportunity to visit the interior of historic St Munn's Church for a guided tour of the church and the Dukes of Argyll's Mausoleum (entry fee £5 each). Tea & coffee available (bring packed lunch). Free parking at church, plus an hourly service bus (489) to and from Dunoon.

A gentle, guided historic walk around Lachlan Bay to include Inver Cottage, Kilmory Chapel (buriel place of MacLachlan Clan Chiefs) and the ruined medeavil fortress of the Old Castle Lachlan. Extensive views over Loch Fyne. A gentle walk mostly on easy paths.