LOCH LOMOND & COWAL WAY | Rucksack Readers hiking guide

HIKING GUIDE

The Loch Lomond & Cowal Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails. It runs for 57 miles (91 km) across the Cowal peninsula, which lies west of Glasgow and is easily reached by public transport, road and ferry. The route starts at Portavadie on Loch Fyne and ends at Inveruglas on Loch Lomond.

The trail is well waymarked and undulating, with rugged terrain and glorious views over the Isle of Bute and the Firth of Clyde. The area is rich in history and heritage, with wildlife sightings including red squirrel, red deer and golden eagle.

Cowal has ferry links to Bute, to Kintyre and across Loch Lomond to join the West Highland Way. It’s the missing link that enables Scotland’s ultimate long-distance walk, from Kintyre all the way to Inverness.

In November 2018 the route’s name was extended to Loch Lomond & Cowal Way to reflect the fact that over 50% of it runs within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Our first guidebook of that name was published in 2019 and sold out in 2023. The 2024 edition has many updates, perfect binding and fresh photos, and was released in March 2024.

This guidebook contains all you need to plan and enjoy the Loch Lomond & Cowal Way:

• detailed route description for the Way walked south-west to north-east
• summaries showing distance, terrain and refreshment stops
• 8 pages of detailed mapping with the route highlighted (1:50,000)
• map, tourist attractions and walks on the historic Isle of Bute
• background on Cowal’s heritage and wildlife
• hill-walks, including the famous Cobbler
• planning information for travel by car, ferry, bus and plane
• lavishly illustrated, with 95 colour photographs
• rainproof paper throughout.