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Strachur, Hill Lochs and Waterfalls. Scotways routes 97 and 98.

Posted by explorecowal on March 13, 2023
Posted in: Bothy, Cowal Way, forestry commission, Heritage Paths, Walking. Tagged: Argyll, Bothy, Cowal, Explore, glenbranter, Hill, loch, lochan, lochgoilhead, mountain, outdoors, paths, Scotways, strachur, walk, walking, waterfall, Winter. Leave a comment

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve updated this page, but I’ve been out n about… honest. Mostly on routes already recorded, but this one is something different. This route combines Scotways routes 97 and 98 forming a loop starting and finishing at Invernoaden south of Glenbranter. Weather conditions were exceptional!

Basic Map

Route Name: Strachur Hill Lochs and Waterfalls

Terrain: Forestry Road, pathway and open hill

Distance: 13 miles

Features: Loch Lomond and Cowal Way (part of) Curra Lochain, Struth Ban Falls and Lochan Nan Cnaimh. Oh a locked Bothy as well.

Lauder Monument

Parking at Invernoaden in the car park that was built for the Lauder Monument, the path leads to the monument then joins the unsurfaced loop road that serves the properties. Turn right on joining it and head round the crescent till a gated forestry road appears on the right. Following the forestry road it meets another, keep right at this point and continue climbing till you join the Cowal Way ( now Loch Lomond and Cowal Way).

The forestry road heading out of Invernoaden
Turn right at the LLCW marker.

From here the marker posts guide you on your way. The last time I was on the section of LLCW ( Cowal Way in a Day ) the pathway from the end of forestry road to Curra Lochain hadn’t been install, this is an excellent addition.

Path
Path and fence line gate
Heading for Curra Lochain

Now, I hope the following photos do the Lochain (Lochan) justice, I think they almost do. Once you’re at the end of the lochan there are two options, one take the multi purpose road ( sounds boring,ha) OR cross the outfall of the lochan and head down the subsequent waterfalls. The ground is wet and tussocky but worth the effort negotiating it!

That’s enough of that, plenty of more photos but thought I better draw the line somewhere…. now the Falls.

There wasn’t a great deal of water in the falls yet they’re still stunning. Numerous spots for photo opportunities, I even managed out to one of the wee islands to make a coffee.

That’s the falls then……..

The climb down from the falls isn’t so well way marked but there is a trodden path of sorts that leads you into the trees then down to the forestry road.

One on the road turn right and over the wooden bridge. Climb up to the Y junction and take a right. Head up the glen looking back over to the falls.
Looking over the glen to the falls, gives an idea of scale.

At the end of the road there is a quad track that replaced the firebreak that once existed. This terminates eventually, you leave this by dropping down crossing a wee burn and sucking under a fallen tree. Continuing along the break, a trodden path is evident in parts. Once you reach a burn running across the path you cross it and start climbing through the forest or burn side ( keeping it on the left ).

The burn that requires crossing followed by a climb to the open hill.

Out the tree line and onto the open hill there is a low fence to step over. Once negotiated you head towards a large rocky face, keeping to the left of it – you have arrived at Lochan Nan Cnaimh, what a place. I chose to circumnavigate the lochan rather than skirt round the northern side to head direct to the bealach.

Bothy belonging to Carrick Estate
Stunning.

Once round the lochan it’s the hike up the hill to the bealach, no set route just wind your way up, some good spots for further photos (rest stops).

Climb vista

Once on the bealach there are a series of old posts. Initially fence posts but there are a few with faded markers. You can navigate to them in series, most you can see next one to head for. The direct path isn’t always the best, it’s pretty boggy up there but as long as you’re progressing in the right direction (south west) that’s the main thing.

Can just see the gate to the plantation

Once across the bealach you need to pass through a plantation. Gated access/exits either side. There are marker posts are evident. Just before reaching the gate there’s a steep wee gully to conquer, it poses no real issues with its grassy banks and narrow stream.

Nearing the exit of the plantation, another gate and a stone path through the trees leads to the forestry road.
Joining the forestry road head to the right and make your way back to the parking point. Past the Hydro scheme at the top of the Glen descending on the way marked Loch Eck Loop ( white posts)

All in all a great walk, a great way to spend a day on the hills. Take food n drink and enjoy the scenery. 👍

Not seen enough? I took some videos of the route and stuck them on YouTube


If you have 20 mins spare watch this 🍿

Map on Outdoor Active HERE

Cnocan Sgeir’e Trig point – Glendaruel

Posted by explorecowal on October 27, 2019
Posted in: Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: Cowal, Explore, glen, glendaruel, Trig, walk. Leave a comment

Another day another trig on this 9.5 mile leg stretch. Had the company of Fitzy (the selfie master) and his two K9’s – Murphy and Horrid Henry. 🐶

Utilising the forestry road and the network of roads within the wind farm, the trig is easily reached although the last section is over open ground.

A cold start through the wind farm until the sun decided to make its appearance.

Number 31 turbine in the far corner is the markers for the road that heads through the open plateau. This road deteriorates from hardcore to wet and overgrown and eventually open hill. The open hill is only for 500mts or so, a result in comparison to previous trig points.

The trig is easily reached, great views on such a clear day.

Another great trig and it’s good to put some miles in too.

Cruach nan Capull Trig @565mts, St Catherine’s/Cairndow

Posted by explorecowal on October 24, 2019
Posted in: Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: fyne, hillwalking, loch, Trig, walk, walking. Leave a comment

A post work trig prior to the clocks going back at the weekend . A late start at 5pm trying to beat the darkness!

Took the forestry road to its end and picked my way through the recently harvested hillside out onto the open hill

Once on the open hill it’s make your own way, ground conditions not too bad a gradual climb to the summit. Great views this evening.

From the trig

Instead of returning on the ascent route I decided to track the burn back to the forestry road. Steep sides but saved some time in the diminishing light.

Glad to see the forestry road! Then a stroll back to the car.

Cruach Kilfinan trig

Posted by explorecowal on October 21, 2019
Posted in: Biking, Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: hillwalking, Kilfinan, Trig, walk. Leave a comment

Just found these pics from a trip to Cruch Kilfinan trig point! Better do a wee report!

A bike and hike, not convinced this was the easiest route as it included scaling a deer fence!! A good cycle on good forestry road with a short section of open hillside.

Beinn Ruadh, Graham @ 664mts.

Posted by explorecowal on October 20, 2019
Posted in: Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: Cowal, Eck, Explore, Hill, loch, Trig, walk, walking. Leave a comment

Leaving from Inverchapel Forestry car park a short but initially super steep walk provides stunning views of the surrounding area. Other non defined routes are available!!! 😅

Cruach nan Caorach Trig from C11.

Posted by explorecowal on October 20, 2019
Posted in: forestry commission, Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: Argyll, Cowal, Explore, glendaruel, Hill, Trig, walk, walking. Leave a comment

Been here before but have lost any records I had. Great morning to be out on the hill, albeit wet and lumpy underfoot.

Starting off on the forestry road accessed off the C11 Otter Ferry to Glendaruel road – strangely start point of the road does not correspond with that of the O/S map but soon ties in.

First 1.5 miles on forestry road, then taking an ATV track to the open hill. Pretty much chose your own route navigating round the worst of the soft spots. One non barbed standard height fence to cross.

Stunning views over the west of Cowal and beyond from the trig 👍

Loch Riddon and the Kyles of Bute.

Trig pics…

Garrochorran Hill trig point. Another great day in Sunoon, Costa Cowal.

Posted by explorecowal on October 16, 2019
Posted in: forestry commission, Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: Cowal, Explore, Trig, walking. Leave a comment

Another day another Trig. This one situated off the forestry road between Dunoon and Innellan.

The ditch has been piped just south of the quarry giving access to the hill. Following the upper ditch on a path overgrown by reeds, the final stretch on open hill.

Great views to be had. 👍

Pucks Glen

Posted by explorecowal on October 5, 2019
Posted in: Family, forestry commission, Walking. Tagged: Cowal, day, Explore, glen, pucks, walk. Leave a comment

A quick visit to the glen with iPhone and tripod.

Kayak to the Gantocks

Posted by explorecowal on October 5, 2019
Posted in: Paddling. Tagged: Cowal, dunoon, Kayak, paddle, sea. Leave a comment

A 6am paddle to the Gantocks Lighthouse for sunrise. We were joined by the Disney cruise ship too 👍

Stob na Boine Druim-fhinn Trig Point via the B29 Aircraft crash site. Strachur

Posted by explorecowal on October 2, 2019
Posted in: Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: Cowal, Explore, fyne, loch, strachur, Trig, walk. Leave a comment

Stob na Boine Druim-fhinn Trig Point via the B29 Aircraft crash site. Had company today in the form of hill machine Bryan Fitzpatrick, who likes a paddle.

Wet underfoot, some great waterfalls too, an interesting morning on the hill. ⛰

The trig was an add on to a previously documented visit to the B29 crash site. Once at the crash site, it was over the fence and open hill to the summit, another make your own way effort.

B29 walk detail HERE

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    • Strachur, Hill Lochs and Waterfalls. Scotways routes 97 and 98.
    • Cnocan Sgeir’e Trig point – Glendaruel
    • Cruach nan Capull Trig @565mts, St Catherine’s/Cairndow
    • Cruach Kilfinan trig
    • Beinn Ruadh, Graham @ 664mts.
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