Explore Cowal

With an approximate total of 135 miles, the Cowal coast line offers plenty to explore.

Taking in Loch Fyne, Kyles of Bute, Loch Ruel,Loch Riddon, Loch Striven, Firth of Clyde, Holy Loch, Loch Long and Loch Goil with the ever changing scenery. 

The route can be paddled either one section at a time or multiple sections. A moderate enjoyable paddle allowing time to explore and stop for breaks etc, not a mile munching time trial !

Each section starts/finishes close to a road so vehicle drop off and launch/up lift is easier.
If desired on multiple sections, wild camping, campsite camping, a bunk house, a bothy and even hotels can be found en route. Some village stops are available ,offering the chance to stock up on provisions. Please see below listings for Accommodation, Eateries, General Stores for supplies and Points of Interest. Most of these are where your kayak would hardly need to leave your sight. 

Listings. 

Section 1-2

-Cairndow Stagecoach Inn. Food, Accommodation. http://www.cairndowinn.com

-Creggans Inn. Food,Accommodation http://www.creggans-inn.co.uk
-Out of the Blue Bistro/Post office.
Food,general store, post office.

Section 2-3

-Lachlan Bay,Old Castle Lachlan. POI http://www.oldcastlelachlan.com
-Inver Cottage. Food http://inverrestaurant.co.uk
-Oyster Catcher, Otterferry. Food. Accommodation. http://www.theoystercatcher.co.uk

Section 3-4-5. 

-Black Harbour. South of Otter Ferry. POI, Rocky Islands. Scenic. 

-Eilean Buidhe.  POI. Most Westerly part of Cowal. 

-Portavadie Marina. Food Accommodation. Shops http://www.portavadie.com

-Ascog Bay. POI. Scenic.  

-Kilbride Bay. POI. Scenic. 

-Ardlamont Point. POI. Most southerly point in Cowal. 

-Carry Farm, accommodation. Camping. http://www.carryfarm.co.uk

Section 5-6

-Kames Hotel. Food Accommodation
http://kames-hotel.com

-Duncan’s Stores. General store. Uphill from Kames Hotel. http://www.duncansvillagestore.co.uk

-Tighnabruaich, town. (RNLI slipway) access to…..
-Local Cafe. Food
-Spar. Grocery Store
-Various other outlets.
-Caladh Harbour. POI scenic
-Buttock Point,North Bute POI, Kayak stop.

-Burnt Islands,Kyles of Bute. POI. Scenic, tidal race! 

-Colintraive Hotel. Food Accommodation. http://www.colintraivehotel.com

Section 6-7. 

–Toward Sailing Club. POI. Kayak stop. http://www.towardsc.org.uk

-Toward Lighthouse. POI. Scenic. 

Section 8-9. 

-Innellan Slipway, North of Old Pier. Access to….
-Innellan Post Office and store.
-The Osbourne Hotel,Innellan. Food
-The Villagers Royal, Innellan. Food. http://villagers-royal.co.uk
-West Bay, Dunoon. Beach. Access to…..
-Cosy Corner,Food
-Rock Cafe,Food https://m.facebook.com/pages/Rock-Cafe-/128819720575851
-Coast Coffee. Food.
-Various Guest houses.
-Dunoon Town, Slipway at swimming pool. Access to…
-Town Centre. Shops
-Seasons Coffee shop. Food http://www.seasons.coffee

Section 9-10

-Kirn Beach,access to…..
-Kirn Variety Store, Groceries.
-Java Walk, Cafe
-Blacks the Bakers,Food.
-Other eateries.

-Slipway north of Western Ferries link span. Access to……
-Coffee Ahoy. Drinks. Snacks.
-Hunters Quay Hotel. Food , Accommodation http://www.huntersquayhotel.co.uk
-Royal Marine Hotel. Food, Accommodation. http://www.royalmarinehotel.co.uk

-Holy Loch Marina. Access to…..
-Various outlets within Marina including Holy Loch Cafe Shop. http://www.holylochmarina.co.uk
-Also access to Sandbank Post Office. Groceries. ( main rd).

-Ardentinny Hotel. Ardentinny. Food Accommodation. ( Closed for refurb).

  Section 10-11. 

-Caravan Shop,Drimsynie Estate. Near Drimsynie House. Concrete Bridge. General Store. Off Licence.
-Lochgoilhead Post Office. General Store.
-Goil Inn. Food ,Accommodation.

-Mark Cottage. Open Bothy (MBA). Opposite Glenfinart Depot. http://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothy-details.asp?bothy_id=116

-Arrochar Hotel. Food Accommodation. http://www.bespokehotels.com/arrocharhotel
-Arrochar Village Shop. General Store.
-Arrochar Fish and Chips. Food
-Ben Arthur’s Bothy,Food. https://m.facebook.com/pages/Ben-Arthurs-Bothy/264888646788