lochgoilhead

Strachur, Hill Lochs and Waterfalls. Scotways routes 97 and 98.

Posted by explorecowal on March 13, 2023

Posted in: Bothy, Cowal Way, forestry commission, Heritage Paths, Walking. Tagged: Argyll, Bothy, Cowal, Explore, glenbranter, Hill, loch, lochan, lochgoilhead, mountain, outdoors, paths, Scotways, strachur, walk, walking, waterfall, Winter. Leave a comment

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve updated this page, but I’ve been out n about… honest. Mostly on routes already recorded, but this one is something different. This route combines Scotways routes 97 and 98 forming a loop starting and finishing at Invernoaden south of Glenbranter. Weather conditions were exceptional!

Route Name: Strachur Hill Lochs and Waterfalls

Terrain: Forestry Road, pathway and open hill

Distance: 13 miles

Features: Loch Lomond and Cowal Way (part of) Curra Lochain, Struth Ban Falls and Lochan Nan Cnaimh. Oh a locked Bothy as well.

Parking at Invernoaden in the car park that was built for the Lauder Monument, the path leads to the monument then joins the unsurfaced loop road that serves the properties. Turn right on joining it and head round the crescent till a gated forestry road appears on the right. Following the forestry road it meets another, keep right at this point and continue climbing till you join the Cowal Way ( now Loch Lomond and Cowal Way).

The forestry road heading out of Invernoaden

From here the marker posts guide you on your way. The last time I was on the section of LLCW ( Cowal Way in a Day ) the pathway from the end of forestry road to Curra Lochain hadn’t been install, this is an excellent addition.

Now, I hope the following photos do the Lochain (Lochan) justice, I think they almost do. Once you’re at the end of the lochan there are two options, one take the multi purpose road ( sounds boring,ha) OR cross the outfall of the lochan and head down the subsequent waterfalls. The ground is wet and tussocky but worth the effort negotiating it!

That’s enough of that, plenty of more photos but thought I better draw the line somewhere…. now the Falls.

There wasn’t a great deal of water in the falls yet they’re still stunning. Numerous spots for photo opportunities, I even managed out to one of the wee islands to make a coffee.

The climb down from the falls isn’t so well way marked but there is a trodden path of sorts that leads you into the trees then down to the forestry road.

One on the road turn right and over the wooden bridge. Climb up to the Y junction and take a right. Head up the glen looking back over to the falls.

Looking over the glen to the falls, gives an idea of scale.

At the end of the road there is a quad track that replaced the firebreak that once existed. This terminates eventually, you leave this by dropping down crossing a wee burn and sucking under a fallen tree. Continuing along the break, a trodden path is evident in parts. Once you reach a burn running across the path you cross it and start climbing through the forest or burn side ( keeping it on the left ).

The burn that requires crossing followed by a climb to the open hill.

Out the tree line and onto the open hill there is a low fence to step over. Once negotiated you head towards a large rocky face, keeping to the left of it – you have arrived at Lochan Nan Cnaimh, what a place. I chose to circumnavigate the lochan rather than skirt round the northern side to head direct to the bealach.

Once round the lochan it’s the hike up the hill to the bealach, no set route just wind your way up, some good spots for further photos (rest stops).

Once on the bealach there are a series of old posts. Initially fence posts but there are a few with faded markers. You can navigate to them in series, most you can see next one to head for. The direct path isn’t always the best, it’s pretty boggy up there but as long as you’re progressing in the right direction (south west) that’s the main thing.

Once across the bealach you need to pass through a plantation. Gated access/exits either side. There are marker posts are evident. Just before reaching the gate there’s a steep wee gully to conquer, it poses no real issues with its grassy banks and narrow stream.

Nearing the exit of the plantation, another gate and a stone path through the trees leads to the forestry road.

Joining the forestry road head to the right and make your way back to the parking point. Past the Hydro scheme at the top of the Glen descending on the way marked Loch Eck Loop ( white posts)

All in all a great walk, a great way to spend a day on the hills. Take food n drink and enjoy the scenery. 👍

Not seen enough? I took some videos of the route and stuck them on YouTube

If you have 20 mins spare watch this 🍿

Map on Outdoor Active HERE

Cnoc Coinnich

Posted by explorecowal on February 5, 2018

Posted in: Cowal Way, Walking. Tagged: Argyll, Cnoc, Coinnich, Cowal, Explore, lochgoilhead, way. Leave a comment

At 764mts the recent addition to the Corbett family (July 2016) provides an excellent walk.

The walk beginning in Lochgoilhead initially takes in part the Cowal Way before heading away from the way marked trail.

The snowy summit of Beinn Bheula on the opposite side of Loch.

Navigation of the Cowal Way isn’t problematic, initially on a forestry road, then a hill track to the gates fence line before the open hill. The path is less distinguished however, marker posts lead the way.

Once on the open hill, the views open up, the hills enhanced by the recent snow fall-caught at sunrise only made the views better.

From the top marker post, it’s time for the open hill. I was fortunate to pick up a track through the snow made by a previous group, looks like they’d headed in via The Brack.

The gain in elevation provides more stunning views in all directions.

The summit view is stunning. It’s worth walking out to the furthest point to gain a better vantage point over the surrounding lochs.

Summit 360.

Descent made by the ascent route in slightly better light. Allowing a quick stop off at one of the waterfalls.

A great shift on the hill in ideal conditions, providing excellent vistas.

Ardgarten Loop from Lochgoilhead, via MBA Mark Cottage Bothy.

Posted by explorecowal on September 29, 2015

Posted in: Biking, Bothy, Walking. Tagged: ardgarten, Bothy, circuit, cycle, lochgoilhead, loop, mark cottage, walk. 3 Comments

It had been twenty plus years since I last cycled this circuit from Lochgoilhead. A combination of forestry roads and single track makes ideal terrain for the bike or even a walk. The Forestry Commission have marked the 22 mile route with red marker posts,the diversion to Mark Cottage Bothy adds 3 miles. Travelling this route is best done in a clockwise direction

To quote the forestry commissions website………..

A grand tour of the wild, rugged and remote Ardgartan Peninsula with excellent views of the Clyde and the surrounding mountains. It’s a real challenge of a route: you’ll need lots of stamina for the climbs but you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views, chances to spot wildlife and of course some exhilarating downhills.

I started from Lochgoilhead,heading up Gleann Mhor adjacent to the B828, a continuous climb to the foot of Ben Donich. Once through the gate at the mast it’s mostly descent to Ardgarten.The forestry road runs parallel to the Rest and be Thankful. Instead of following the route right to the lowest section at Ardgarten I decided to follow the upper section of the Cat Craig loop. This saved a loss in altitude and a climb back out of Ardgarten. Joining a short section of surfaced road below the Coilessan car park, a quick climb leads to level ground above Loch Long.

A worthwhile diversion is a visit to Mark Cottage bothy. A bothy maintained by the Mountain Bothy Association (MBA). Situated right across from the Finnart Oil terminal,a view with a difference!

I met two couples who’d stayed the night walking their way out. When I arrived at the bothy there was a group with their bikes that’d also stayed and were just packing up for their return home. A bite to eat and a chat and I was back on the road. The 1.5 mile climb back out from the bothy was another climb I didn’t need but worth the effort.

Onwards to Corran Lochan, then the single track of the Dukes Path leading back to Lochgoilhead. A great section in amongst the hills. Some sections did require a push, but I was glad to get off the saddle now and again !