Cnoc Coinnich

Posted by explorecowal on February 5, 2018
Posted in: Cowal Way, Walking. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

At 764mts the recent addition to the Corbett family (July 2016) provides an excellent walk.

The walk beginning in Lochgoilhead initially takes in part the Cowal Way before heading away from the way marked trail.

The snowy summit of Beinn Bheula on the opposite side of Loch.

Navigation of the Cowal Way isn’t problematic, initially on a forestry road, then a hill track to the gates fence line before the open hill. The path is less distinguished however, marker posts lead the way.

Once on the open hill, the views open up, the hills enhanced by the recent snow fall-caught at sunrise only made the views better.

From the top marker post, it’s time for the open hill. I was fortunate to pick up a track through the snow made by a previous group, looks like they’d headed in via The Brack.

The gain in elevation provides more stunning views in all directions.

The summit view is stunning. It’s worth walking out to the furthest point to gain a better vantage point over the surrounding lochs.

Summit 360.

Descent made by the ascent route in slightly better light. Allowing a quick stop off at one of the waterfalls.

A great shift on the hill in ideal conditions, providing excellent vistas.

Ben Vorlich: Loch Lomond

Posted by explorecowal on October 28, 2017
Posted in: Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

At 943mts Ben Vorlich is a Munro and forms part of the ‘Arrochar Alps’.

The start/finishing point is at Inveruglas, Loch Lomond. Parking is adjacent to the Loch Sloy power station on the shoreside, charges apply when the machine is working.

An early start meant the first few miles were in darkness. Initially along the main road then onto the tarred access road to the Sloy dam, an easy straightforward approach.

The start of the hill section is highlighted by a cairn at the side of the road.

Pic taken on return off hill.

Leaving the main road it’s a steep ascent, eroded path, washed out and boggy sections await until the path improves higher up. Views over Loch Sloy are obtained in the initial climb.

Pushing on, the views only get better – Loch Lomond and it’s islands catching the most attention.

The path eventually tapers out to become a less relentless, enjoyable ascent.

Onwards to the trig and the summit cairn just beyond, sadly the clag came in within seconds of reaching the summit.

Returning on the same route, the descent of the lower section was a slippy one!

A great morning on the hill and well worth the early start! 👍

Kayaking the Kyles

Posted by explorecowal on October 10, 2017
Posted in: Paddling. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Back in the Kayak 👍

With a forecast of calm waters and no precipitation, the kayak was loaded up to head to Colintraive for the start of the journey.

The Kyles of Bute is a stunning place to paddle and well frequented by numerous watercraft.

The Burnt Islands provide a great locus for the resident seals, they’re certainly not shy as the launch themselves to come and check you out! Perhaps keeping you company for a while too.

Once through the islands a crossing to Caladh Harbour is a must, the sheltered area used by yachts to drop anchor.

This crossing in particular was a tad misty yet still enjoyable.

Next stage was to head for Tighnabruaich where the community jetty provides the perfect stop off to visit the village. I opted to call into the cafe for a coffee and a generous portion of chocolate brownie, sheerly to restock on energy for the return leg.

The colourful village

Coffee and cake consumed it was time to return to Colintraive, the surrounding hills providing a stunning backdrop.

A wee stop off on Bute at the Kayak stop prior to Colintraive.

Cowal in a Campervan

Posted by explorecowal on September 21, 2017
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

A few wee locations, all offering something different.

** Please take your litter home, leave any site as you found it, if not better**

OFF GRID:

Ardentinny: Semi Rural – Large

Coastal-Forestry Walks/Cycles-Forestry Toilets (seasonal), no drinking water.

Loch Eck, Dornoch Point: Rural – Small

Lochside-Kayak-No facilities.

B836,Loch Tarsan: Rural

No Facilities-Walking

Munro: Meall nan Tarmachan

Posted by explorecowal on September 3, 2017
Posted in: Outwith Cowal. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

Being absent from the Munro scene for a while, (4 years I think) whilst trying out my new tent a Munro in the morning was an obvious choice.

Setting up just as it was getting dark, hoping the forecast for the next day was going to be accurate.

The morning, as promised was was a bright one.

After packing up a short drive to the parking area at the start point for Meall nan Tarmachan. Due to the high altitude start point this is a short walk and ascent for a Munro – ideal as a reintroduction.

A short section on an unsurfaced road followed by a well defined path to the summit. A short steep section prior to the summit is the most demanding but not to strenuous.

There is an option to extend the route to include a circuit of the ridge, maybe next time!

Hilux Camper build.

Posted by explorecowal on August 13, 2017
Posted in: wildcamp #microadventure. Tagged: , , , . 2 Comments

Looking for alternative accommodation I decided to purchase a roof tent for the Hilux.

Converting the truck bed: With the bedroom sorted the truck bed with canopy were the ideal option to cook/relax in. The conversion of the back meant that it had to be something easily removable so it could revert to a pickup.

Initially a ply floor was installed allowing any units etc to be screwed down.

Adding some non slip mat to the underside.

Floor in, it was time to butcher a unit from the B&Q Konnect range. Wheel arches really are a pain!!

Whilst a lot of storage is lost due to the arch I didn’t want to loose to much floor space. I used a 4 cube for the main run.


Units in, nearside arch boxed in and stick on tiles to flooring.

Battery added with 12v and USB sockets in an upright unit.

The Roof Tent: I’d been looking at roof tents for a while, both canvas (fold out) and hard shell (pop up) types. I decided hard shell was the way forward due to Scotlands climate – easier to erect and take down, less to get wet. . > Some USB powered LED lights added And a folding laptop table.

In action at the Lawers Range.

Roof bars: Extended bolt on bars and offset tent to allow kayak on too….

Extended a Bed: ACME extend a bed, a works in progress. If it’s to wild for the roof tent the the truck bed will be long enough to lie in with the additional foot box. Turns the 5′ bed into a 6’8″ bed.

3/4″ ply construction

Matching flooring

Adjustable buckles to tie into existing floor.

External covered in 3mm rubber to make waterproof.

Final touched to the extent a bed. Plastic trim. Aluminium plate with fixing rails and trailer board for supplementary lighting. Was going to take the lights off the board and fit to box, but decided to keep as it is for use on trailer etc if needed.

Clyde Swim 2017

Posted by explorecowal on July 10, 2017
Posted in: Paddling. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

It was that time of year again, providing support for this well organised local event. 

Conditions were somewhat breezy but this did not phase the 35+ swimmers that took to the waters of the Clyde. 

I joined four other kayaks as we set off for the Cloch Lighthouse on the eastern side of the Clyde. Conditions for the crossing had me doubting my sanity, never mind about the swimmers.  I never managed to get any photos whilst on the water, didn’t fancy loosing my phone! 


The crossing took just over half an hour, landing north of the lighthouse out of the southerly breeze. 


We awaited word confirming the exact locus of the start Point, the decision was made to start south of the Cloch in order to account for the wind. 


Support boats arriving off shore, soon to be joined by the RIBs – show offs with their engines,ha. 

We were joined by another 5 kayaks, who provided excellent additional support, their help most appreciated. I believe they belonged to a club from ‘the other side’, not sure which though. 




The crossing was drama free, thankfully. With the presence of the RIBs, Cruisers and the kayaks, shore to shore was covered for any eventuality. 




A fantastic well organised event I’m proud to say I was involved in. A huge well done to all organisers, support crew and participants, great effort 👍


Still upright!! 

Thanks to Argyll and the Isles App for the water based photography 👍


The brother in law must have damaged his legs during the swim! Well done that man 👍.