Explore Cowal

Approx. 11 miles
Duration. 2hrs on the move, plus stops .

Looking forward to getting out on my new purchase (well new to me) ,the bike was loaded into the back of the motor ready for an early start.
Headed for Glenbranter picking up Martin ‘Mears’ and his trusty stead en route. Parking beyond the FCS offices at the events car park it wasn’t long till we were on our way.

Choosing to take the Blue route. The Glenshellish Loop, a route suitable for beginners and families, approx 7 miles long. An ideal choice since I’ve not been on a bike for 10 years!! However in addition to this the Glenbranter Glen was added, giving an additional 3-4 miles.

Forestry Commission Blue route detail HERE

Heading towards Glenshellish Farm over the bridge and taking the road on the immediate right. The route is well marked by posts at junctions, it continues up the East side of the Glen. There is a picnic bench for a wee stop at 3 miles into the loop just prior to the Ford crossing. The return via the West side to Glenbranter was mostly downhill.

Before heading back into Glenbranter we took a sharp left followed by a long climb then a sharp right, heading to Glenbranter Glen. A road leads off this section downhill to the right, marked by both Red Route and Cowal Way markers.

Again, at the bottom if the hill you follow the East side of the Glen on a less defined forestry road. Reaching the top of the Glen there’s a deep Ford to cross! We however went up stream, crossing at a shallower narrower section.

Safely across

Once across, the going is not to bad. Another Ford in a dip must be crossed but at this time it had little water passing through it. The run back down the West side again, like Glenshellish was mostly downhill and good progress made.

On the return we passed the Red Route again where the downhill section joins the road from the left. Continuing along the Red Route drops away to the right, unfortunately the lower section is closed for now due to wind blown trees. Beyond this a crossing where the roads meet lets we headed straight down the hill to the back of the Lauder car park, where we returned to the Events car park via a surfaced road.

I great cycle today, especially as a reintroduction to Mountain Biking.

Pics from the camera……..