From Ardentinny
Ardentinny Forest walks
Ardentinny is a forestry village on the western shore of Loch Long. This scenic route links several of the waymarked trails from the Forestry car park, with some good views as well as the chance to spot forest birds and red squirrels from a wildlife hide. The route can be shortened or made easier by using different combinations of trails.
Terrain: Good waymarked paths throughout. The Red trail has a steep climb, the Yellow trail a more gentle one. The Blue trail is broader and could be suitable for all-terrain pushchairs.
Distance: 6 km, 1.5 - 2 hours, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/ardentinny.shtml
From Arrochar and Arrochar Alps
Ardgarten lochside and riverside circuit
This pleasant forest circuit from the Ardgarten Visitor Centre visits the shores of Loch Long and then follows the Croe Water.
Terrain: Waymarked paths, tracks and minor road.
Distance: 3.5 km, 1 hour, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/ardgarten.shtml
Arrochar - Tarbet link path
This walk links Tarbet to Arrochar and makes a nice one way or return circuit - or could be extended by following the Cruach Tairbeirt route. There are good views from the elevated path which has some steep sections.
Terrain: Well surfaced, waymarked, route with some up and down and steep first section.
Distance: 2.25 km, 1 hour (one way), easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/arrochar-tarbet.shtml
Cruach Tairbeirt, Tarbet
This waymarked circuit climbs through the forest plantations on the lower slopes of Cruach Tairbeirt above the village. Once such a route would have had stunning views of Loch Lomond but the best of these are now obscured by the height of the trees. Walk starts at Arrochar railway station.
Terrain: Well surfaced waymarked circuit; it includes a steep ascent.
Distance: 3.5 km, 1.5 hours, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/cruach-tairbeirt.shtml
Succoth Circuit
A straightforward circular walk that climbs up above Loch Long to give great views over Arrochar and the surrounding mountains. The walk then continues down through forestry and returns through the hamlet of Succoth.
Terrain: Waymarked forest paths and tracks; a steady zig-zag ascent to begin with.
Distance: 3.75km, 1 - 1.5 hours, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/succoth.shtml
Beinn an Lochain
Beinn an Lochain was classified as a Munro on Sir Hugh's original list. More recent surveys put it well below 3000 feet but it is very steep and fine mountain that admits no inferiority to the surrounding higher peaks. It gives a short but strenuous hillwalk.
Terrain: Boggy at first then a very steep ascent of a fine rocky ridge, but the scrambling is only mild.
Distance: 5.5 km, 3 - 5 hours, more difficult hillwalk
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/beinn-an-lochain.shtml
The Cobbler
The Cobbler - also known as Ben Arthur - has the most distinctive outline of any mountain in the Southern Highlands and makes a fantastic short day out. Extremely popular, the path on the way up has been improved in recent years and once past the initial zig zags makes a pleasant ascent. This route explores both peaks of the Cobbler before descending on a rugged path between the two. Alternatively the route can be made easier by returning the same way.
Terrain: Clear paths with some steep rocky sections particularly on the descent.
Distance: 11 km, 4 - 6 hours, hillwalk
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/the-cobbler.shtml
Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime
The compact group of mountains known as the Arrochar Alps are renowned for their steep, rugged and rocky nature. However, the highest peak - Beinn Ime - has a simple slope when approached from this direction. Beinn Narnain has a much rougher and rockier character. The views - especially of the nearby Cobbler - are excellent.
Terrain: Rocky, steep and eroded path on Beinn Narnain with very mild scrambling. Beinn Ime is a broad dome on this side and the return route has a good path.
Distance: 13.5km, 6 - 7 hours, more difficult hillwalk
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochlomond/beinn-ime.shtml
From Benmore Botanical Garden
Big Tree walk, Black Gates
This short forest walk beside the Benmore Botanic Garden climbs between Californian Redwoods, Western Hemlock and Douglas Fir trees for good views across Strath Eachaig and to the hills beyond.
Terrain: Waymarked forest paths with a fairly steep ascent.
Distance: 2 km, 45 minutes, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/big-trees.shtml
Puck's Glen
Deservedly the most popular short walk in the region, Puck's Glen is a dark and atmospheric defile. A tumbling burn, criss-crossed by bridges, is enclosed by rocky walls heavily hung with mosses and overshadowed by dense trees. THe walk starts from Puck's Glen car park.
Terrain: Clear waymarked paths. The walk up the glen has many rocky steps and some unprotected drops.
Distance: 3.5 km, 1 - 1.5 hours, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/pucks-glen.shtml
River Eachaig circuit
This fairly level circuit explores the rivers Eachaig and Massan and the neighbouring natural woods and plantations.
Terrain: Forestry tracks, minor roads, and riverside paths with some eroded sections where the path may be difficult to follow.
Distance: 7km, 2 hours, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/river-eachaig.shtml
Beinn Mhor, via Glen Massan
Beinn Mhor is the highest hill in Cowal and has good views over the area. The walk is straightforward, although navigation skills are needed for the final climb.
Terrain: Forestry track and faint path, steep and boggy at times and pathless for final climb.
Distance: 13 km, 4 - 5.5 hours, hillwalk
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/beinn-mhor.shtml
From Dunoon
Ardnadam Heritage Trail
Climb through the Atlantic Oakwoods past an archaeological site to reach the hilltop of Dunans for good views over Dunoon, the Clyde and the Holy Loch.
Terrain: Woodland paths with a fairly steep final ascent
Distance: 3.5 km, 1.5 hours, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/ardnadam.shtml
Bishop's Glen
This pleasant and easy circuit explores the reservoirs of Bishop's Glen and the tumbling Balgaigh Burn. It can also be walked from the centre of Dunoon by following signs west for Bishop's Glen.
Terrain: Good surfaced paths, some steps and short steep sections.
Distance: 3 km, 1 hour, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/bishops-glen.shtml
From Glenbranter (by Strachur)
Gleneck Walk
This waymarked trail climbs high above Glenbranter through native forest, giving aerial views over the glen and away to the head of Loch Eck.
Terrain: Waymarked forestry paths; the walk includes a sustained steep ascent with some steps.
Distance: 2.75 km, 1 - 2 hours, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/gleneck.shtml
Lauder Walk
This excellent forestry walk visits the impressive Allt Robuic gorge and its waterfalls. It is known as the Lauder walk after Sir Harry Lauder, a famous music hall star from the first half of the twentieth century and a former owner of the Glenbranter estate.
Terrain: Waymarked forestry paths with some ascent.
Distance: 3.5 km, 1 - 2 hours, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/lauder-walk.shtml
From Glendaruel
A walk at Dunans Castle
Dunans Castle sits at the head of Glendaruel, Glen of the Red River. The castle an undiscovered gem is one of the surviving great mansions of Argyll. Completed in 1864 as an extension to an earlier 17th Century mansion, it was the seat of the Clan Fletcher. Sadly gutted by fire in 2001, it is now part of an extensive conservation and heritage project. The site previously unopened to the public now has a woodland walk offering stunning views of the majestic derelict castle and a unique A' listed Thomas Telford designed triple arch bridge. The walk winds through a designed Victorian landscaping taking in an earlier 17th Century garden. Following a stunning ravine stocked with designated native ancient woodland with waterfall views. The hilltop section of the walk affords splendid views along the Glen and of the Castle. Ground conditions offer mixed flora and fauna with some rare specimens, trees are a mixture of native and exotic, included ancient Limes and documented native wildlife includes, twany owl, water vole, brown trout, raptors, toads, woodpecker and dear. Access is free, drivers are asked to leave their cars at the head of the drive and proceed over the bridge on foot. Dogs on lead are welcome.
For further information visit www.dunans.org
From Kilmun
Kilmun Arboretum
This circuit combines most of the three waymarked trails that explore the arboretum, providing a short but strenuous tour through nearly 160 different tree species. There are shorter, easier trails which can be followed from the same start point, including one (red trail) suitable for all terrain baby buggies.
Terrain: Short but surprisingly strenuous, waymarked, trail with steep sections.
Distance: 2.75 km, 1.5 hours, moderate
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/kilmun-arboretum.shtml
Strone Hill
This steep ascent from Kilmun on the Holy Loch follows increasingly steep and rough paths uphill through the forest. The reward is the superb view from the summit, whether looking over Dunoon to Arran or up Loch Long.
Terrain: The ascent is very steep at times, on tracks and a good path at first. Higher up the path is faint and boggy in places.
Distance: 7.75 km, 2.5 - 3.5 hours, moderate
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/strone-hill.shtml
From Lochgoilhead
Glen Donich circuit
This waymarked forestry walk from Lochgoilhead gives an enjoyable circuit of the lower part of Glen Donich. It can be extended by including an alternative waymarked route higher on the north side of the glen.
Terrain: Waymarked forest paths; a fair amount of ascent is involved.
Distance: 4 km, 1 - 2 hours, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/glen-donich.shtml
From Portavadie and Tighnabruaich
Glenan Bay Portavadie
This fine shorter walk passes through oakwoods and climbs up to the abandoned village of Glenan, a lonely spot, as well as visiting an attractive bay.
Terrain: Woodland and shore paths; some sections can be very muddy at times
Distance: 3.5 km, 1 - 1.5 hours, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/glenan-bay.shtml
Portavadie and Low Stillaig
This coastal circuit has fine views across the water to Kintyre and south to Arran. Passing bronze age standing stones and visiting the pretty bay at Port Leathan this makes a pleasant short walk.
Terrain: Faint paths on open ground, farm track and minor road.
Distance: 5 km, 1.5 - 2 hours, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/portavadie.shtml
Kyles of Bute, Tighnabruaich
The Kyles of Bute is one of the most stunning areas of coastal scenery in Argyll. This linear walk, part of the Cowal Way, runs along a beautiful coastal track before reaching a strenuous section requiring careful navigation and the occasional scramble over boulders and very wet ground. There may be a chance to catch a bus from the A8003 at the far end of the walk to get back to Tighnabruaich.
Terrain: Minor road, track and very rugged path with small scrambles and very boggy sections.
Distance: 9 km, 2.5 - 3.5 hours, moderate
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/kyles-of-bute.shtml
From Toward
Ardyne and the Clyde View walk
This excellent waymarked walk climbs through the forest in the most southerly part of Cowal. It gives superb views over the Isle of Bute, the Cumbraes and the Firth of Clyde."
Terrain: Waymarked paths and tracks, muddy in places. This route has a fair amount of ascent.
Distance: 3.5 km, 1 - 1.5 hours, easy
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/ardyne.shtml
The Cowal Way
The Cowal Way runs for the length of the Cowal peninsula. It begins at Portavadie in the southwest, where the ferry runs from Tarbert in Kintyre, and includes forests, waterfalls, the shore of sea-lochs and hill-passes along the way to end at Ardgartan on the fringe of the Arrochar Alps. It passes through rugged countryside rich in wildlife.
Terrain: Very varied. Some sections are rough or cross pathless hill passes, whilst other sections follow good waymarked paths or minor roads.
Distance: 78 km, 6 stages, hillwalk
For a detailed description go to: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/cowal-way.shtml
