Loch Lomond and Cowal Way
A 57-mile long-distance walk in Central Scotland featuring beautiful coastlines, dramatic scenery, engaging heritage, and abundant wildlife, leading from Portavadie on the Cowal Peninsula to Inveruglas on Loch Lomond. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: NR 929 698
Distance: 57 miles (92 km)
Time: 24–36 hours
Duration: 3–6 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
357 Kintyre North, Knapdale South, Isle of Gigha and Tarbert
358 Lochgilphead and Knapdale North
360 Loch Awe and Inveraray
362 Cowal West and Isle of Bute
OL37 Cowal East, Dunoon and Inveraray
OL39 Loch Lomond North, Tyndrum, Crianlarich and Arrochar
Summary
The Loch Lomond and Cowal Way — formerly known as the Cowal Way, which was arguably a more representative title for the walk — is a long-distance footpath in Argyll known as “Scotland in 57 miles.” Easily accessible from Glasgow and Prestwick International Airports, this part of the Scottish Highlands offers beautiful coastlines, dramatic scenery, engaging heritage, and abundant wildlife.
Established in 2000, the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way is one of Scotland’s diverse long-distance footpaths. It runs the length of the Cowal Peninsula, passing through varied landscapes including shorelines, forests, hills, and lochs. The Cowal Way begins at Portavadie in the south of Cowal and winds its way up through the peninsula to end at Inveruglas on Loch Lomond, passing through the communities of Tighnabruaich, Glendaruel, Strachur, Lochgoilhead, and Arrochar. The route utilizes existing footpaths, forestry tracks, hillsides, quiet roads, and traditional rights of way. Now designated as one of Scotland’s Great Trails, this quiet and waymarked path also connects with the West Highland Way, Scotland’s most famous long-distance route. (Source: Loch Lomond and Cowal Way)