Explore Cowal

Home of the starting point of the Cowal way, an ever expanding impressive Marina, historic settlements and standing stones.

With the forecast for wind, rain and poor visibility I decided to do some lower level walks. Both walks were new to me and contained points of interest, mainly the Standing stones of Low Stillaig and the old settlement of Glenan.

Low Stillaig, 4 miles

Parking at the end of main road the route to the small summit and view point is well signed and marked out. A well defined track guides the way through the open landscape towards the wee summit.

A stop off at the Standing Stones for a picture. They date back to 2,000 years BC.

Summit panoramic…..

From here I headed round the hill down to the ruins of Low Stillaig. There’s no defined path here that I could see but the surrounding bracken had died back meaning easy progress.

From here I picked a route heading for the isthmus that gives access to Eilean Aoidhe, I went down past the house that looks as if it’s amidst renovation. Sections here are pretty wet and there’s a wee burn to step over further on.
I’m always on the look out for kayaking stop off points and campsites so this area didn’t disappoint. Perhaps that is why the BB group chose this location for their hut.
Once on Eilean Aoidhe it was time for a coffee and the chance to try a set up of my new tarp tent at a great wee location.

Coffee finished and packed up , return was made via the BB hut then following the farm road to the main road passing another standing stone en route.

Glenan Bay and old Settlement, 2.4miles.

An abandoned settlement surrounded by an Oak and Birch woodland.

Second walk of the day. A walk through the woodlands to the old settlement of Glenan, returning on the coastal route.
Leaving from the Forestry car park situated prior to the ferry, an information board offers a map and further details of the walk.

Setting off through the picnic site picking up the woodland trail once over a few rocky steps. Navigation again is easy, as the well trodden path guides you through the woodland.

It is wet underfoot so a good pair of walking boots are essential, or a pair of wellie boots. There are a few welcome walkways that keep you above the very worst.

There’s also in impressive tree that forms 3 arches.

The final approach to the settlement involves crossing a wee burn, but there is a small bridge that spans it just upstream.

The old abandoned settlement awaits.

After spending a while at the site I retraced my steps, turning right when prompted for the return via Glenan Bay.

The Bay

Heading back towards Portavadie weaving through the rocks to pick up the woodland walk back to the car.

Map showing the two walks.

Whilst the weather wasn’t the best the views and points if interest were worth the walk. I’ll need to revisit in better clearer conditions to enjoy the vistas.