- Attractions
- Outdoor Activities
- Hill Walking & climbing
- Walking Routes
- About Argyll Walking Holidays
- Ardentinny to Carrick Castle Walk
- Beinn Mhor Loch Eck Hill Walk
- Ben Donich Hill Walk
- Cowalfest Walking Festival
- Donich Falls Circular Walk
- Drimsynie Beg to Lettermay hill walk
- Drimsynie Circular Walk
- Dukes Pass with 2 gates Loop Extension
- Loch Eck Walks & Beinn Ruadh
- Ostel Bay Beach Walk
- Steeple Hill Walk
- Toward Walk(s)
- Adventure Sports
- Golf
- Horse riding
- Cycling
- Sailing, boating and boat hire
- Fishing & game
- PS Waverley
- Arts & Culture
Walking Routes
The members who make up the VisitCowal website live and work in Cowal. They are pleased to share their local knowledge by suggesting the walking routes listed on this page. These range from the better known walks in the Arrochar Alps to little gems that perhaps you would not come across during your stay. This is a dynamic listing as new walks are added as members submit their favourites – so be sure to check back. The information is meant to give you an introduction as to what to expect. For more information please buy a local walking guide at the Tourist Information Centre in Dunoon, or follow the link to the owner’s page on this website. From everyone submitting their walk suggestions we hope you enjoy your walking in Cowal.

For some excellent walking information for Cowal, visit the Walk Highlands Website which has detailed information on walks ranging from 2km to 13km and also the 7 stages of the 90km Cowal Way.
The Cowal Way
The Cowal Way is a long distance path of 57 miles which takes in the length of the Cowal Peninsula . It runs from Portavadie on Loch Fyne in the West to Inveruglas on Loch Lomond in the East, climbing to 1800 feet
Cowalfest
Cowalfest is a major walking and arts event taking place each year in October. This is a Walking and Arts Festival and is one of the largest and most varied walking festivals in Scotland, with more than 80 walks led by expert and knowledgeable walk leaders including National Park and Forestry Commission Rangers.
Forests of Dunoon
For some walking with fabulous views yet with easy access to the town of Dunoon, try Dunoon's Forests. The forest landcape is open and bright with many ages of woodland, and thriving bird, animal and plant life. There are a range of walks from 1.7km - 5km but also the Corlarach Loop, a dramatic walk that links the Ardyne and Kilbride car parks and offers several clearly marked route options from 13.9km - 27km. For more information, visit the Forestry Commission Website.
About Argyll Walking Holidays
About Argyll offers guided and self-guided walking / hiking holidays in beautiful but undiscovered parts of the West Highlands and Islands of Scotland. We will take you to quiet, remote corners that can only be reached on foot, enabling you to enjoy the solitude of Scotland's secret places.
Find out more
Ardentinny to Carrick Castle Walk
A linear walk climbing above Loch Long before dropping down into the village of Carrick Castle on the shores of Loch Goil. Can be done in either direction.
Find out more
Beinn Mhor Loch Eck Walk
The highest hill above scenic Loch Eck is a steady climb with starting from Glen Massan. Wonderful views to the south over the sea lochs.
Find out more
Ben Donich 847m hill walk
In the north of Cowal starting near the Rest and be Thankful, Ben Donich offers wonderful views to the Arrochar Alps and down to Loch Goil.
Find out more
Cowalfest Walking Festival
October 2013
Cowalfest 2013 Walking and Arts Festival is one of the largest and most varied walking festivals in Scotland, with more than 80 walks, horse riding, cycling, house and church tours, concerts and arts events.
Donich Falls Circular Walk
A popular walk for visitors staying in Lochgoilhead. It is a circuit, it’s well signposted and everyone likes a waterfall.
Find out more
Drimsynie Beg to Lettermay Walk
A 7 mile linear walk heading deep into the hills above the west shore of Loch Goil. Wonderful views from high above the Drimsynie Estate in a remote part of the Argyll hills.
Find out more
Drimsynie Circular Walk
Starting and finishing in the car park of the Drimsynie House Hotel this is an easy and pleasannt way to enjoy the view from the forestry road above the holiday village.
Find out more

Dukes Pass and loop
A grand tour of a part of the wild, rugged and remote Ardgartan Peninsula in the section above the east shore of Loch Goil.
Find out more
Loch Eck Walks & Beinn Ruadh
A choice of walks starting at the Inverchapel car-park,8 miles north of Dunoon and 1 mile north of Benmore Botanic Garden, on the main A815 road. Buses for Strachur and Inveraray also pass this spot.
Find out more
Ostel Bay Beach Walk
With its crescent-shaped sweep of sand it truly is one of the best beaches in Scotland. On a sunny day it’s a ideal for sun-bathing, paddling and swimming. A walk the whole family can enjoy.
Find out more
Steeple Hill - Lochgoilhead
For superb views of the full length of Loch Goil, and to appreciate the beautiful setting of Lochgoilhead village, you can do no better than get yourself to the top of Steeple Hill.
Find out more
Toward Walk(s)
A choice of walking routes in the area near Toward Point in the south of the Cowal Peninsula. Wonderful sea views.
Find out more