Loch Lomond and Cowal Way Walk, Strachur to Lochgoilhead, Scotland

When I looked at the Ordnance Survey (OS) app, I couldn’t help but notice what turned out to be “one of Scotland’s Great Trails” marked on the map, which ran very close to our accommodation. The Loch Lomond and Cowal Way runs the length of the Cowal peninsular (for 57 miles/90km) from Inveruglas at Loch Lomond to Portavadie at the southern end. *

I considered 2 possibilities, Garvie to Strachur or Strachur to Lochgoilhead. Now I like to finish at a pub if I can, as it gives a purpose and a dry shelter, especially if you’re getting picked up. However, after our trip around Bute, we stopped at the Creggans Inn in Strachur for a drink and were completely shocked to find the price of a pint of beer was Β£7 !! 😲 So the first option was ruled out completely. (For non-UK readers, the price of a pint in my local is Β£4.50).

Anyhow, the route chosen had plenty of easy to follow forestry track (and no sheep to tempt Tomos to chase 🐢), a good sized loch and a cascading waterfall, with the prospect of a refreshing beer in Lochgoilhead (though it turned out to be closed! 😣)

* More information on the full route can be found here. Note that it includes a nice, ‘Autumn’ promotional video, which has about 40 seconds of the waterfall and loch shown in the gallery below (after around 4m 45s). Though the footbridge the guy walks over wasn’t there when I got to that point and a good leap was required to get across the burn!

8 responses

  1. blhphotoblog Avatar

    Nice scenery. Hope you checked the dog (and yourself) for the dreaded ticks!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar

      The dog should be tick-proof after having had a vet’s super dooper (& expensive) tick treatment. But we always keep an eye on him (and ourselves) anyway as he’s always diving into the undergrowth (as you will have seen).
      He did however cause us to take a 24 mile drive to the vets at Lochgilphead when he got a thorn stuck in his paw! πŸ˜•

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Jim Earlam Avatar

    Looks like an enjoyable walk Mike, always nice to see an expanse of water and there are plenty of Lochs to choose from!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar

      It was, though the descent from the top of that big waterfall was steep, wet and boggy. I met 4 guys coming up the other way who thankfully warned me it was a little treacherous. (They were the only people I saw all day btw). I was certainly glad to get back on the forest tracks anyway! The dog didn’t mind a bit of course and waited patiently while I picked my way carefully down.

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  3. Laura Newhampshire Avatar

    When you’re going up and down the mountains and scrabbling across uneven paths, I’m content to look at photos and think, “How nice for him!” When you start posting flatter hikes (not to mention in Scotland!), I start thinking, “Oh! I want to do that!” Right now. That’s a hilarious impossibility. I posted the other day about how my metal knees are great, but the leg muscles are non-existent–and that’s on me. I know what to do; I’ve just been too depressed (and other things) to do them. But honestly, looking at these great walks in that nice gray weather I love so much? I dunno, Mike, you just might be somewhat motivational.I don’t think my cat, Tribble, would care to come along. (I actually have leash-trained a few cats!) She definitely wouldn’t do the stick collection as Happy Tomos does. (I loved that photo.)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar

      I tend not to post any pics of any short, flat walks that I do, (especially any that I might do in Scotland) but you never know, one day… I don’t suppose cats like to be taken on a (longish) walk. I’m sure they’d rather doze by the fireplace or wherever. Our cat (previous life) never went further than the end of the very small back garden. I’m sure you’ll be extremely motivated to see as much of the fantastic Scottish scenery as you can, once you set foot on our shores and your legs will get stronger and stronger! πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ˜Š

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Anita Avatar

    A wonderful set of photos, Mike. The Cowal Way looks amazing, and Tomos seems to enjoy every step. And Β£7 for a pint… no wonder you chose the other route! πŸ˜‚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Alittlebitoutoffocus Avatar

      Thanks Anita.

      Like

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