A fantastic selection of pictures taken both within Cowal and extending to other parts of Argyll. 📷
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Well the original design had a bit much detail for a vinyl cut, so things are a bit simpler now………
South end of the Loch…..
With some free time today, I decided to load the Kayak and head to Loch Eck. Not planning anything major, just a paddle to get a few miles and experience in.
On pulling up at the lay by adjacent to the chosen launch point, a reasonably calm Loch awaited.
The launch point.
Conditions although overcast were the best I’ve experienced in my limited kayak outings. Dry weather and a calm Loch……that’ll do!!
Loch looking well.
Staying on the East side of the loch I headed up to the Coylet Inn. Always an option for a bite to eat and a refreshment.
The point prior to the Coylet
Coylet Inn. As tempting as is was, couldn’t justify stopping for a break after just 15 minutes.
After a few pics I continued North to the caravan park then decided to cross to the West side.
In to the calmest of water
Decided to follow the shore line rather than my usual straight line point to point.
From here I decided to head up to the beach we’d walked to last time for a nights camping.
Took a wee vid with my iPhone ( in its £6.99 Cot House Services water proof case).
There was slightly less beach than on our last visit due to the amount of rain that fell a few days ago.
Location of last camp
With plenty of time I decided to head onwards to Bernice Farmhouse and the old stone pier.
Bernice and some Cattle
Old stone pier
I’d covered about 3 miles to this point so after a wee bite to eat I decided to turn about and head back down the loch. With enough life left in my phone I decided to take another wee time lapse picture sequence. The water remaining calm.
The End 🙂 Cheers 🍻
22 mile circular walk or cycle
A great trail giving a scenic tour of Loch Eck. Ground covered is mostly on wide forestry roads, there is a section of hardcore hill path above Inverchapel.
We walked from Benmore Gardens in a clockwise direction. Heading up the West side to Glenbranter then returning down the East side via Invernoden and Inverchapel. I know some people prefer to walk anti-clockwise.
The West side offers mostly Loch level walking, with a slight climb at the North end. Of course, what goes up must come down. The East side gives the chances if some fantastic elevated view points, so some bigger climbs on this side…..but worth it.
A few points of interest on the West side.
– Small burial ground/cemetery.
– Bernice farmhouse, used as outdoor centre.
– Stuck Farmhouse ruin.
Once at Glenbanter there’s a short section of main road heading South before turning off at Invernoaden forestry road. As we climbed the weather turned a tad more wintery!!!
A great walk or cycle in one of my favourite areas in cowal.
A one night stay on the shore of Loch Eck
A 5km walk from Benmore Gardens car park get you to this great wee spot. Also accessible by bike or landing on the beach with your kayak/canoe.
In no time the tents were up and the scavenge for wood begun.
Fire lit, it was time to savour the luxury item. To save weight on the return journey we made sure it was empty.
Banter,BBQ and a roaring fire…..that’s what it’s all about.
An overnight stay on a clear calm Kilbride Hill
A short walk from Dunoon can provide some great views over the Firth of Clyde and surrounding area. We chose Kilbride Hill due to it close yet remote location. A plateau at the summit provides a great location to pitch a tent/bivi/shelter.
View from the Summit 396mts…..
The night drawing in……
Urban Lights
The now demolished Inverkip Chimney in the distance
Stunning Sky looking North
Home for the night
Rising with the Sun…..
Loch Eck
National grid reference NS14158694 Loch Eck is a loch located on the Cowal peninsula, north of Dunoon, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is seven miles long. Apart from Loch Lomond, it is the only naturally occurring habitat of the powan.
Plenty of scope for camping on the West side. Reached by walking or cycling on the forestry road that runs parallel. Also ideal for landing on one of the beaches with your Kayak or Canoe
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Explore Cowal
With lots to see and do…..go explore!
From the Lochs to the Hills, the choice is endless.
Explore Cowal 
