Arrive in Portavadie by public transport from either Dunoon (by bus) or Tarbert (by ferry) and depending on time, either overnight here or begin your first day walking the short distance to Tighnabruaich. If you arrive in Tarbert too late for the ferry crossing on the same day, it is possible to overnight in the town and commence your walk by first taking a ferry over Loch Fyne the following morning.

The Cowal Way begins on mainly forest track, paths or quiet road, easy undulating track, with a gentle climb to 85m over the first 2km. This is a fairly undemanding section, offering excellent views of both Loch Fyne and the Kyles of Bute. Points of particular interest along this section include the dramatic ruins of Asgog Castle, the remains of a gunpowder mill, and a World War II tank landing slip.

The majority of this section is easy walking on quiet public and private roads, broken up by a more challenging section of shoreline and woodland. This middle section has been recently upgraded to include new wooden walkways and steps, but should not be attempted during a particularly high tide. (Check out the tide details and all information on the Cowal Way Official App). Highlights of this stretch of the walk include a Telford bridge, Kilmodan Church and its historic carved stones, and the Lucknow Gates which are said to commemorate the 1857 Siege of Lucknow, India.

The third section of the Cowal Way continues up Glendaruel before joining tracks up by the Garvie Burn over open moorland and through forestry plantations up Strath nan Lub. The route then descends into Glen Branter with some attractive waterfalls before finally a quiet back road leads on to Strachur. This section is fairly easy under-foot, mainly following well maintained forest tracks and offering good views all around.

This stage of the Way crosses open moorland, passing a peaceful loch and waterfalls before descending through forestry and then along a pleasant coastal road to Lochgoilhead. In places the path is indistinct and at times boggy however it is waymarked for assistance. Some challenging uphill terrain, small streams and several stiles are encountered however reward come in the form of some fantastic scenery, most notably the dramatic views of the Sruth Ban Falls.

This final section of the Cowal Way includes the highest climb of the route at almost 500m rewarded in clear weather by wonderful mountain views over the Luss Hills, Ben Lomond, Ben Bheula and the Brack. This is followed by scenic walking alongside Loch Long and Loch Lomond. This stage can also be broken up by an overnight stay at Arrochar ( 9 miles / 14.5 km) allowing the opportunity of an easier day’s walking or alternatively climb the famous Cobbler before continuing on to Inveruglas. Forest tracks prevail for much of the way, with a steep ascent on a rough path in the forest. The highest section of the route has only a very faint and boggy path – wooden posts mark part of this section across the hilltop.