Explore Cowal

"Take nothing but pictures…leave nothing but footprints..kill nothing but time".

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Protected: Private Bothy ( outwith Cowal) 

Posted by explorecowal on May 31, 2015
Posted in: Bothy, Outwith Cowal. Tagged: Bothy, secret.

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MBA Taigh Seumas a’ Ghlinne Bothy ( out with Cowal ).

Posted by explorecowal on May 31, 2015
Posted in: Bothy, Outwith Cowal, Uncategorized. Tagged: Bothy, MBA, Taigh Seumas a' Ghlinne. Leave a comment

Another trip out. Headed for Duror Bothy for the night. Maintained by the MBA. 

Large single room bothy. Built in stove on one gable. Large U shaped raised sleeping, plenty of floor space. Large table and bench, other featured seating. 

Fuel: Various location prior to and surrounding area. 

Altitude: 214 mts

Bike friendly : 10/10

   
       

MBA Carron Bothy ( out with Cowal )

Posted by explorecowal on May 31, 2015
Posted in: Bothy, Outwith Cowal. Tagged: Argyll, Bothy, carron, MBA. 1 Comment

Carron Bothy,maintained by the MBA. 

An overnight stay at the fantastic Carron Bothy. 

Single room with raised double sleeping platform. Plenty of floor space with two tables and two benches. Fireplace with grate. 

Fuel: Fallen timber in nearby forest. 

Altitude: 195 mts

Bike friendly : 7/10

  
       

Kayak Camp. Loch Eck

Posted by explorecowal on May 15, 2015
Posted in: Paddling, wildcamp #microadventure. Tagged: Camping, Eck, Kayak, loch. Leave a comment

First paddle of the season resulted in a camping trip to the West shore of Loch Eck.


  

Video of trip

Kilbridemore Trig & Garbhallt Lochain

Posted by explorecowal on May 3, 2015
Posted in: Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: Garbhallt, kilbridemore, Lochain, Trig. Leave a comment

A trip to an area I’ve never visited before, the hills above Glendaruel/Srtathlachlan. Initially my plan was to visit the Lochain but with some extra time on my hands I decided to go for the trig point as well. 

Setting off from the forestry road at Garbhallt, joining an atv track and finally onto the open hill where you can choose your own route. A fence line on the open hill aids navigation  over the tussock strewn landscape. Once the trig was checked off the list, it was time to head for the Lochain. Not before taking in the views over to the Paps of Jura. Unsure of how to approach the Lochain it was a case of heading to the highest vantage point to check for access. Couldn’t see much on the way of access so headed for a burn that showed on the OS map, a wise choice as the clearing at the burn lead straight to the Lochain. 

The Lochain was stunning, lying low, surrounded by the hills, hardly a breath of wind. The OS map indicated there was a boat house, however only a few bits of corrugated iron remain. One I’d circumnavigated the Lochain I headed back via the access route and back down to join the ATV track. 

To the Trig.  

  
        
To the Lochain. 

   

  

  

  

  

  

 

Fully interactive Map with additional pictures and stats click HERE 

Just for fun……..

   
 

Lego in the Wild. 

Posted by explorecowal on April 23, 2015
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

Simple……..just for fun. 😉

Kilbridemore Trig above Loch Fyne.         
Loch Eck trig, Arrochar Alps in the background. 
Beinn an Lochain above the A83

 

Taking a break within the forest ops above Dunoon _ Remeber do not climb on timber stacks like these wee bafoons. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ben Lui and Beinn a’ Chleibhimg_4503

 

Stob Dubh and Stob Coire Raineach, Buachaille Etive Beag

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Ardkinglas Estate, Cairndow – Gruffalo Trail. 

Posted by explorecowal on April 18, 2015
Posted in: Family, Walking. Tagged: ardkinglas, Family, gruffalo, trail. Leave a comment

……….The Gruffalo Trail. 

A great walk round Arkinglas Estate today. Mainly to find the Gruffalo, but the trees and shrubs can’t be ignored. 

 

 

 

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Plenty of info on the Gardens by clicking HERE

Kilbride Blue route: Balgaidh Burn Trail. 

Posted by explorecowal on April 9, 2015
Posted in: forestry commission, Walking. Tagged: Balgaidh, Bishops, Burn, glen, Kilbride, walking. 1 Comment

Kilbride,Blue route. 3 miles.

One of the many routes that can be can be found starting from Kilbride car park, as indicated on the information board located on site.

  
 Forestry roads and hardcore paths provide good underfoot conditions,although the terrain can be uneven at times.

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A great walk giving great views over Dunoon,Inverclyde and beyond………..a grear pre/post work walk.

A fully interactive map with pictures and stats can be found by clicking HERE

Morag’s Fairy Glen, West Bay,Dunoon. *CLOSED*

Posted by explorecowal on March 28, 2015
Posted in: Family, Walking. Tagged: dunoon, fairy, glen, morag's. Leave a comment

A trail through natural woodland, with waterfalls and bridges. A great family walk situated near the West Bay, Dunoon.

Numerous paths wind their way round and up the Glen. Taking the lower paths will lead you to the bridges that span the water of Berry Burn.

A mixed route of pathways and formed steps, not forgetting bridges.

    

You never know…..you may spot a fairy!!!

If the kids aren’t tired after the Glen, there’s a swing park and beach close by!

Old Castle Lachlan, Strathlachlan

Posted by explorecowal on March 16, 2015
Posted in: Family, Walking. Tagged: castle, lachlan, old, strathlachlan. 2 Comments

Its been a while since I was last here. Last trip was well in advance of the new walkways and bridge, in fact I think it was prior to the old bridge getting washed away!!

A recently upgraded pathway , makes it accessible for all. A great walk for the wee one, with a rocky beach and Castle at the end.

A meal or refreshment can be had at Invercottage, situated at the start of the walk, although it was still shut for the season on my visit.

The Castle is currently undergoing structural works.

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